JANUARY 29, 2024 — U.S. merchant wholesalers had sales of $11,382.3 billion in 2022, a 17.4% increase from $9,693.4 billion in 2021, 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:

• Motor Vehicle and Motor Vehicle Parts and Supplies Merchant Wholesalers (NAICS 4231) had sales of $1,106.9 billion in 2022, up 17.2% from $944.4 billion in 2021.
  
• Sales of Drugs and Druggists’ Sundries Merchant Wholesalers (NAICS 4242) were $1,294.1 billion in 2022, up 11.4% from $1,161.9 billion in 2021.
• Grocery and Related Product Merchant Wholesalers’ (NAICS 4244) sales were $1,262.9 billion in 2022, a 12.8% increase from $1,120.0 billion in 2021.
• Petroleum and Petroleum Products Merchant Wholesalers’ (NAICS 4247) sales were $2,089.5 billion in 2022, up 45.4% from $1,436.8 billion in 2021.

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.

###