FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE	Contact: Rick Clayburgh, Tax Commissioner 701-328-2770
September 30, 2004	Kathryn Strombeck, Research Analyst, 701-328-3402

2nd Quarter Taxable Sales and Purchases Set Record

BISMARCK --- Tax Commissioner Rick Clayburgh announced today that during April, May, and June record retail sales of over $1 billion helped fuel growth of 9.4 percent in total taxable sales and purchases compared to 2003.

"While it is not uncommon for the fourth quarter, and even third quarter, retail trade to exceed $1 billion, this is the first time in our state's history that retail trade went over $1 billion during the second quarter," said Clayburgh.

The construction sector grew nearly 40 percent; the farm machinery and farm repair parts sub-sector of wholesale trade grew by 27.2 percent; and the total wholesale trade sector grew by 16.9 percent. In addition, the manufacturing sector grew by 15.5 percent; the transportation, communication and public utilities sector grew by 10.6 percent; retail trade increased by 6.6 percent; and the services sector grew by 4.9 percent.

"This report marks the fourth consecutive quarter of strong growth in taxable sales and purchases--growth of more than double the rate of inflation," said Clayburgh. "Consumer confidence is healthy, with personal and household spending continuing at a brisk pace."

The mining and oil extraction sector dropped by 5.5 percent compared to the same quarter in 2003.

Of the 50 largest cities, the biggest percentage increases for the second quarter of 2004 were Washburn, up 48.6 percent; Beach, up 35.8 percent; Tioga, up by 31.8 percent; Casselton, up by 30.7 percent; and New Rockford up by 29.1 percent.

The biggest percentage second quarter decreases for the 50 largest cities, were in Walhalla, down by 26.5 percent; Cando, down 13.2 percent; Cavalier, down 12 percent; Garrison, down 5.6 percent; and Wahpeton, down 4.2 percent.

Counties with the highest percentage increases were Sioux, up 53.8 percent; Logan, up 46.5 percent; Oliver, up 41.8 percent; Steele, up 38.7 percent; and Golden Valley, up 35.5 percent.

The counties with the biggest percentage decreases were Slope, down 22.7 percent; Renville, down 11.8 percent; Towner, down 11.6 percent; Burke, down 6.5 percent; and Dunn, down 6.1 percent.

Complete North Dakota Sales and Use Tax Statistical Reports from Second Quarter 2004 can be accessed on the web at: www.nd.gov/tax/salesanduse/pubs