The country's wholesale trade and manufacturing sales have slipped for the second consecutive quarter.

The largest loss was recorded in motor vehicles and motor-vehicle parts, down 4.2%.

However the latest figures from Statistics New Zealand show manufacturing values are up 2% compared to the same time last year.

That's a rise of more than $440m.

The trend for wholesale trade sales has generally been increasing since September 2009, although it now appears to be easing.