BISMARCK, N.D. (Prairie Public Radio) – North Dakota’s taxable sales and purchases were up 12.1 percent for the third quarter of 2021, compared with the same three month period in 2020.

It’s for July, August and September, 2021. The taxable sales and purchases for the quarter were $5.32 billion.

State tax commissioner Brian Kroshus called the increase “significant.”

Kroshus said retail is showing strength.

The state’s four largest cities also saw growth in taxable sales and purchases. Fargo had a 12.9 percent increase, Bismarck was up 5.6 percent, Minot saw a 4.6 percent increase, and Grand Forks had a 2.4 percent increase.