Merchant Wholesalers Sales
WHLSLRSMSA • Economic Data from Federal Reserve Economic Data (FRED)
Latest Value
697,164.00
Year-over-Year Change
4.80%
Date Range
1/1/1992 - 5/1/2025
Summary
The Merchant Wholesalers Sales trend measures the total sales revenue of merchant wholesalers in the United States. It is a key indicator of wholesale trade activity and economic conditions.
Analysis & Context
This economic indicator provides valuable insights into current market conditions and economic trends. The data is updated regularly by the Federal Reserve and represents one of the most reliable sources for economic analysis.
Understanding this metric helps economists, policymakers, and investors make informed decisions about economic conditions and future trends. The interactive chart above allows you to explore historical patterns and identify key trends over time.
About This Dataset
The Merchant Wholesalers Sales metric represents the dollar value of goods sold by merchant wholesalers, who purchase products from manufacturers and resell them to other businesses. It provides insight into wholesale demand and is used to analyze the broader health of the U.S. economy.
Methodology
The data is collected through monthly surveys of merchant wholesalers by the U.S. Census Bureau.
Historical Context
Policymakers and analysts monitor this trend to gauge business-to-business activity and commercial demand.
Key Facts
- Merchant wholesalers account for over $6 trillion in annual sales.
- Wholesale trade represents about 25% of total U.S. business revenue.
- The Merchant Wholesalers Sales trend has shown steady growth since the Great Recession.
FAQs
Q: What does this economic trend measure?
A: The Merchant Wholesalers Sales trend measures the total revenue generated by merchant wholesalers, who buy products from manufacturers and resell them to other businesses.
Q: Why is this trend relevant for users or analysts?
A: This metric provides insight into wholesale demand and the overall health of the U.S. economy, as merchant wholesalers play a key role in commercial supply chains.
Q: How is this data collected or calculated?
A: The data is collected through monthly surveys of merchant wholesalers conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau.
Q: How is this trend used in economic policy?
A: Policymakers and analysts monitor the Merchant Wholesalers Sales trend to gauge business-to-business activity and commercial demand, which informs economic forecasting and policy decisions.
Q: Are there update delays or limitations?
A: The data is released on a monthly basis with a 2-month lag, so there may be a delay in reflecting the most recent economic conditions.
Related Trends
Merchant Wholesalers, Except Manufacturers' Sales Branches and Offices: Durable Goods: Professional and Commercial Equipment and Supplies Inventories
I4234IM144SCEN
Merchant Wholesalers, Except Manufacturers' Sales Branches and Offices: Nondurable Goods: Miscellaneous Nondurable Goods Inventories
O4249MM157SCEN
Merchant Wholesalers, Except Manufacturers' Sales Branches and Offices: Nondurable Goods: Grocery and Related Products Sales
S4244SM144SCEN
Merchant Wholesalers, Except Manufacturers' Sales Branches and Offices: Nondurable Goods: Farm Product Raw Materials Sales
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Merchant Wholesalers, Except Manufacturers' Sales Branches and Offices: Durable Goods: Metals and Minerals, Except Petroleum Inventories/Sales Ratio
R4235IM163SCEN
Merchant Wholesalers, Except Manufacturers' Sales Branches and Offices: Durable Goods Sales
S423SMM144SCEN
Citation
U.S. Federal Reserve, Merchant Wholesalers Sales (WHLSLRSMSA), retrieved from FRED.