Released: 2019-08-22

Wholesale sales rose 0.6% to $64.1 billion in June, partly offsetting the 1.9% decline in May. Sales were up in four of seven subsectors, representing 54% of total wholesale sales.

In dollar terms, the miscellaneous, and the machinery, equipment and supplies subsectors contributed the most to the increase in June, while the motor vehicle and motor vehicle parts and accessories subsector posted the largest decline.

In volume terms, wholesale sales increased 0.6%.

During the second quarter, current dollar sales rose 1.3%, the 13th consecutive quarterly gain. Quarterly sales increased in five of seven subsectors, led by the machinery, equipment and supplies subsector, and the personal and household goods subsector. Constant dollar sales were up 1.2% in the quarter.

Increase in June attributable to higher sales in four of seven subsectors

In dollar terms, the miscellaneous subsector reported the largest increase in June, as sales rose 3.5% to $8.2 billion. Sales were up in three of five of its component industries, led by the other miscellaneous (+7.2%) and the agricultural supplies (+6.7%) industries. The other miscellaneous industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in wholesaling logs, wood chips, minerals, ores and concentrates, precious metals, second-hand goods and other products.

Sales in the machinery, equipment and supplies subsector rose 1.5% to $13.9 billion in June.

In the food, beverage and tobacco subsector, sales increased for the third time in four months, up 1.3% to $12.1 billion, almost entirely offsetting the 1.4% decline reported in May. While gains were recorded in all three industries, the food industry contributed the most to the rise. On a quarterly basis, this subsector was up 0.9%, the fourth consecutive increase.

Sales in the motor vehicle and motor vehicle parts and accessories subsector decreased 1.9% to $10.9 billion. Lower sales in the motor vehicle and parts industry (-2.4%) contributed the most to the decline. In the second quarter, sales in this subsector increased 0.5%, the second consecutive gain.