JAN. 21, 2021 — U.S. merchant wholesalers had sales of $8,633.5 billion in 2019, according to estimates from the Annual Wholesale Trade Survey (AWTS) released today by the U.S. Census Bureau. In 2018, U.S. merchant wholesalers had sales of $8,633.6 billion.

Drugs and Druggists’ Sundries Merchant Wholesalers (NAICS 4242) and Motor Vehicle and Motor Vehicle Parts and Supplies Merchant Wholesalers (NAICS 4231) experienced growth in sales in 2019. Drugs and Druggists’ Sundries Merchant Wholesalers (NAICS 4242) had sales of $1,016.8 billion in 2019, representing an increase of 4.4% from $974.3 billion in 2018. Motor Vehicle and Motor Vehicle Parts and Supplies Merchant Wholesalers (NAICS 4231) sales were $962.5 billion in 2019, an increase of 2.3% from $940.6 billion in 2018.  

Conversely, Petroleum and Petroleum Products Merchant Wholesalers (NAICS 4247) and Metal and Mineral (except Petroleum) Merchant Wholesalers (NAICS 4235) sales decreased in 2019. Petroleum and Petroleum Products Merchant Wholesalers (NAICS 4247) had sales of $1,303.7 billion in 2019, representing a decrease of 3.8% from $1,354.9 billion in 2018. Metal and Mineral (except Petroleum) Merchant Wholesalers (NAICS 4235) sales were $239.2 billion in 2019, a decrease of 5.3% from $252.6 billion in 2018.

The AWTS includes statistics for merchant wholesalers of durable and nondurable goods; manufacturers’ sales branches and offices; and wholesale electronic markets, agents and brokers.

The files provide statistics on sales, e-commerce sales, inventories, purchases and operating expenses. The AWTS has been conducted annually since 1978, and the survey’s sample consists of approximately 8,400 wholesale firms.

Tip sheet only. No news release associated with this product.

###