The sales prices in the wholesale market in December 2024 were 0.1% higher compared to December 2023, and 0.1% higher compared to the previous month, November 2024, according to the Federal Statistical Office (Destatis). In November 2024, the year-on-year change had been -0.6%, and in October 2024, it had been -0.8%.
The main reason for the increase in wholesale prices compared to the previous year was the significant rise in prices for non-ferrous metals, non-ferrous metals and semi-finished products from these materials (+22.3% in December 2024). Coffee, tea, cocoa, and spices also saw a significant price increase in the wholesale market (+34.3%), as did sugar, confectionery, and baked goods (+11.0%), as well as milk, dairy products, eggs, edible oils, and food fats (+5.7%).
On the other hand, prices in the wholesale market for data processing and peripheral devices were lower than in December 2023 (-6.0%), as were prices for mineral oil products (-6.0% compared to December 2023, but +0.3% compared to November 2024), according to the statisticians. The prices for iron, steel, and semi-finished products from these materials also fell below those of December 2023 (-4.9%).
In the 2024 average, wholesale sales prices fell by 1.3% compared to 2023. In 2023, they had still risen by 0.6%, and in 2022, they had increased by 17.2% compared to the previous year. The significant decline in prices for mineral oil products (-5.4%) had a decisive impact on the change compared to the previous year.
There were also significant price declines in the wholesale market for iron, steel, and semi-finished products from these materials (-10.0%), as well as for grain, tobacco, seeds, and animal feed (-8.6%). Livestock was also cheaper in the wholesale market in 2024 compared to 2023 (-4.0%).
On the other hand, prices in the wholesale market for coffee, tea, cocoa, and spices were higher in 2024 compared to 2023 (+15.6%). Non-ferrous metals, non-ferrous metals, and semi-finished products from these materials were also 11.8% more expensive in 2024 compared to 2023, as were sugar, confectionery, and baked goods (+8.4%).