calculatorBISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — Taxable sales and purchases in North Dakota during April, May and June dropped nearly 26 percent from the second quarter of 2015, to just under $4.4 billion.

Tax Commissioner Ryan Rauschenberger (RAW’-shuhn-bur-gur) cites the oil industry slump and low farm commodity prices for the decrease.

He says taxable sales in the state “are still returning to pre-oil boom levels,” and that $4.4 billion is close to normal.

Taxable sales and purchases are a key indicator of economic activity in the state. Only two of North Dakota’s 15 economic sectors grew during the second quarter. The mining and oil extraction sector had the biggest drop for the quarter, with a $581 million decrease.

Regional Taxable Sales and Purchase in the Second Quarter of 2016 compared to the Second Quarter of 2015.

Jamestown $69,068,518  an increase of 9.98%  Manufacturing up 50%

Stutsman County $71,379,926 and increase of 9.07%

 

Carrington  $11,091, 004 a decrease of 17.02%

Foster County $11,333, 220 a decrease of 16.32%

 

Valley City $16,925,762 a decrease of 10.22%

Barnes County $17,596,639 a decrease of 13.35%