calculator2BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) – Taxable sales and purchases in North Dakota during the fourth quarter of last year increased nearly 17 percent from the final three months of 2013.

Tax Commissioner Ryan Rauschenberger says taxable sales and purchases in October, November and December 2014 totaled $7.9 billion.

He says the strong growth is “remarkable” given the declining oil prices during those months. North Dakota oil prices during the quarter were 27 percent lower than the previous year.

Thirteen of the 15 major industry sectors reported gains in taxable sales and purchases. The mining and oil extraction sector saw a 38 percent increase. The retail trade sector was up nearly 5 percent.

In the region, taxable sales & purchases in the 4th quarter of 2014, and percentage change from the 4th quarter of 2013.

Barnes $21,594,380 down 9.23%

Foster $15,948,763 down 21.10%

Griggs $5,402,119 down 16.66%

LaMoure Co. $9,399,284 down 29.65%

Stutsman $68,312,941 down 2.6%