Merchant Wholesalers, Except Manufacturers' Sales Branches and Offices: Nondurable Goods: Drugs and Druggists' Sundries Inventories

I4242IM144SCEN • Economic Data from Federal Reserve Economic Data (FRED)

Latest Value

97,865.00

Year-over-Year Change

5.80%

Date Range

1/1/1992 - 6/1/2025

Summary

This economic trend measures the inventory levels of drugs and druggists' sundries held by merchant wholesalers in the United States. It provides insights into the health and activity of the pharmaceutical supply chain.

Analysis & Context

This economic indicator provides valuable insights into current market conditions and economic trends. The data is updated regularly by the Federal Reserve and represents one of the most reliable sources for economic analysis.

Understanding this metric helps economists, policymakers, and investors make informed decisions about economic conditions and future trends. The interactive chart above allows you to explore historical patterns and identify key trends over time.

About This Dataset

The Merchant Wholesalers, Except Manufacturers' Sales Branches and Offices: Nondurable Goods: Drugs and Druggists' Sundries Inventories series tracks the stocks of pharmaceutical and related products maintained by wholesale distributors. This data point is used by economists and policymakers to assess supply chain dynamics and distribution patterns in the healthcare industry.

Methodology

The data is collected through surveys of merchant wholesale establishments by the U.S. Census Bureau.

Historical Context

This inventory metric is relevant for understanding supply-side conditions in the pharmaceutical market and can inform economic and regulatory decision-making.

Key Facts

  • Inventories of drugs and druggists' sundries reached a record high in 2021.
  • Wholesale inventories provide a leading indicator of consumer demand for pharmaceutical products.
  • The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted supply chain dynamics in the drugs and sundries wholesale sector.

FAQs

Q: What does this economic trend measure?

A: This trend measures the inventory levels of drugs and druggists' sundries held by merchant wholesalers in the United States. It provides insights into the health and activity of the pharmaceutical supply chain.

Q: Why is this trend relevant for users or analysts?

A: This inventory metric is relevant for understanding supply-side conditions in the pharmaceutical market and can inform economic and regulatory decision-making.

Q: How is this data collected or calculated?

A: The data is collected through surveys of merchant wholesale establishments by the U.S. Census Bureau.

Q: How is this trend used in economic policy?

A: This inventory data can be used by economists and policymakers to assess supply chain dynamics and distribution patterns in the healthcare industry, informing economic and regulatory decisions.

Q: Are there update delays or limitations?

A: The data is subject to the survey and reporting processes of the U.S. Census Bureau, which may result in modest update delays.

Related Trends

Citation

U.S. Federal Reserve, Merchant Wholesalers, Except Manufacturers' Sales Branches and Offices: Nondurable Goods: Drugs and Druggists' Sundries Inventories (I4242IM144SCEN), retrieved from FRED.