Primary sector
The primary sector covers activities obtaining natural resources, such as agriculture, fishing, forestry and mineral extraction. It is the resource-producing part of the introductory economic-sector classification. It differs from primary activities in Porter’s value chain, which can exist in businesses in any economic sector.
Worked example
Growing wheat is a primary-sector activity; milling it into flour is normally classified as secondary production. Transporting the flour is a service activity.
Common mistake
Treating the sector as a synonym for primary value-chain activities or classifying all activities of a vertically integrated business under one stage without considering the purpose of analysis.
Where it appears in your exams
| Qualification | Exam | Relationship | Period |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACCA | BT | Supporting | September 2026–June 2027 |
| FIA | FBT | Supporting | September 2026–June 2027 |