Activity in trade sectors declined in 1983 - Business activity declined by about 1 % in 1983, in wholesale as well as retail trade. For all business, with the exception of the food trade, the recession is clear enough : thus, in retail trade, it is probably around — 2,3 %, — 3,3 % exclusing drugs. This drop occurred, it is true, after 2,5 % growth in 1982. The food trade held up better and, where retail trade is concerned, even benefits from slight growth (+ 0,2 %) During the first nine months of the year, the number of wage-earners stabilized. This is in clear contrast with the former growth trend and, above all, with the strong progression in 1982. In 1983, it is probable that the annual average of active population in commerce, wage-earn...