North Dakota's taxable sales were up by 28 percent in the third quarter this year compared to the same period in 2007, Tax Commissioner Cory Fong said Tuesday.

The state brought in about $3.5 billion in taxable sales and purchases between July and September, up $755 million when compared to the 2007 figures, Fong said in a Tuesday press release.

Fourteen of the state's 15 industries also reported growth, including the wholesale trade sector - the largest increase in terms of dollars earning $254.4 million. The transportation and warehousing sector grew by the largest percentage at 503 percent. North Dakota's retail sector also grew by about 7.8 percent.

The only sector to decline was the arts, entertainment and recreation sector, dropping by .8 percent when compared to the same time period in 2007.

Other sectors that grew include: mining and oil extraction by 104.5 percent; financial, insurance, real estate, rental and leasing by 47.7 percent; utilities by 37.4 percent; miscellaneous by 28.6 percent; manufacturing by 24.9 percent; construction by 22.4 percent; educational, health care and social services by 9.3 percent; accommodation and food services by 8.2 percent; retail trade by 7.7 percent; and information industries by 6.4 percent.

Towns posting the largest gains include Tioga, Stanley and Williston. Others experiencing a decline in taxable sales include Mandan, down by .6 percent, and Ashley, which fell by 17.9 percent.

"As we wrap up the all-important Christmas shopping season, despite reports of weak sales at the national level, we look forward to 2009 with a level of cautious optimism," Fong said.

(Reach reporter Brian Duggan at 223-8482 or brian.duggan@bismarcktribune.com)