Feb. 6, 2020 — U.S. wholesalers experienced a 7.4% increase in sales in 2018, according to estimates from the Annual Wholesale Trade Survey (AWTS) released today by the U.S. Census Bureau.

Petroleum and Petroleum Products (NAICS 4247) and Metals and Minerals, except Petroleum (NAICS 4235) sales continued to grow in 2018 after experiencing growth in 2017. Petroleum and Petroleum Products (NAICS 4247) had sales of $1,184.1 billion in 2018, representing an increase of 22.0% from $970.7 billion in 2017, following an increase 23.3% from 2016. Metals and Minerals, except Petroleum (NAICS 4235) sales were $246.2 billion in 2018, an increase of 15.9% from $212.4 billion in 2017, following an increase of 13.1% from 2016.

Machinery, Equipment and Supplies (NAICS 4238) also experienced growth in 2018. The industry had sales of $592.5 billion, an increase of 9.9% from $539.2 billion in 2017.

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 covers approximately 8,500 wholesale businesses.

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

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