Stocks of unsold goods on the shelves of manufacturers and retailers in Europe rose in June 2002 for the first time in nearly two years.

Sales dropped at least 15% in Denmark as a result of the international crisis.

Although companies of all sizes felt the impact, it was large businesses that were hit hardest.

The costs of maintaining a sales force can be a barrier for many smaller companies.

To build sales volume quickly, many companies shut down subsidiaries abroad.

The decline in sales in the car industry in Italy was the result of the stronger US Dollar.

The currency translation into the strong Euro is estimated to have cut reported sales figures by more than € 20 million.

A stronger Euro hurts sales overseas for European companies by making cars and other products more expensive.

A stronger Euro increases the value of sales.

Analysts said international sales will probably grow in the next 2 years.