DEC. 14, 2022 — U.S. merchant wholesalers had sales of $9,671.3 billion in 2021, a 20.4% increase from $8,034.8 billion in 2020, according to estimates from the Annual Wholesale Trade Survey (AWTS) released today by the U.S. Census Bureau.

The data are accompanied by a data visualization, which provides statistics for U.S. merchant wholesalers (excluding manufacturers' sales branches and offices).

Estimates are published at the national level by 2-digit through 4-digit North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) codes. Data are also released for NAICS 42343 (Computer and Computer Peripheral Equipment and Software Merchant Wholesalers) and NAICS 42345 (Medical, Dental, and Hospital Equipment and Supplies Merchant Wholesalers). 

Highlights:

• Lumber and Other Construction Materials Merchant Wholesalers (NAICS 4233) had sales of $278.4 billion in 2021, up 26.6% from $219.9 billion in 2020.
• Sales of Metal and Mineral (except Petroleum) Merchant Wholesalers (NAICS 4235) increased 53.4%, from $194.7 billion in 2020 to $298.7 billion in 2021.
• Farm Product Raw Material Merchant Wholesalers’ (NAICS 4245) sales were $266.1 billion in 2021, a 29.4% increase from $205.7 billion in 2020.
• Petroleum and Petroleum Products Merchant Wholesalers’ (NAICS 4247) sales were $1,425.4 billion in 2021, up 64.6% from $866.1 billion in 2020.

The AWTS includes statistics about merchant wholesalers of durable and nondurable goods; manufacturers’ sales branches and offices; and wholesale electronic markets, agents and brokers. It produces estimates of sales, e-commerce sales, inventories, purchases and operating expenses.

The Census Bureau has conducted this survey annually since 1978. The sample includes approximately 8,400 wholesale firms.

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

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