Merchant Wholesalers, Except Manufacturers' Sales Branches and Offices: Nondurable Goods: Grocery and Related Products Inventories

This dataset tracks merchant wholesalers, except manufacturers' sales branches and offices: nondurable goods: grocery and related products inventories over time.

Latest Value

56567.00

Year-over-Year Change

10.44%

Date Range

1/1/1992 - 6/1/2025

Summary

This economic trend measures the inventory levels of wholesale grocers and related product distributors in the United States. It provides insight into supply chain dynamics and consumer demand patterns.

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: Grocery and Related Products Inventories series tracks the monthly changes in inventory held by wholesale distributors of food, beverages, and other non-durable consumer goods. This data is used by economists and policymakers to assess the health of the wholesale supply chain and consumer spending trends.

Methodology

The data is collected through monthly surveys of merchant wholesaler businesses by the U.S. Census Bureau.

Historical Context

Policymakers and market analysts monitor this inventory trend to gauge consumer demand and anticipate production and distribution adjustments.

Key Facts

  • Grocery and related product inventories account for over 25% of total U.S. merchant wholesale trade.
  • Inventory levels reached a record high of $90.1 billion in December 2021.
  • Inventory-to-sales ratios provide an indicator of supply chain tightness.

FAQs

Q: What does this economic trend measure?

A: This trend measures the inventory levels held by wholesale distributors of grocery and related consumer goods in the United States.

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

A: This inventory data provides insight into supply chain dynamics and consumer demand patterns, which is useful for economists, policymakers, and market analysts.

Q: How is this data collected or calculated?

A: The data is collected through monthly surveys of merchant wholesaler businesses by the U.S. Census Bureau.

Q: How is this trend used in economic policy?

A: Policymakers and market analysts monitor this inventory trend to gauge consumer demand and anticipate production and distribution adjustments.

Q: Are there update delays or limitations?

A: The data is released monthly with a typical 6-week lag between the reference period and publication.

Related News

U.S. Home Sales Decline In August Due To High Prices

U.S. Home Sales Decline In August Due To High Prices

August 2023 U.S. Home Sales Decline Amid Rising Mortgage Rates and High Prices In August 2023, U.S. home sales experienced a notable decline, highlighting a distressing trend in the housing market. Homeownership is more costly these days. High home prices and soaring 30 year mortgage rates, combined with limited housing inventory, pose significant challenges for potential buyers and cast a shadow on economic recovery efforts. Many potential homebuyers find themselves increasingly priced out of

September 26, 20253 min read
U.S. Economy Weak in August, Retail Sales Show Potential Resilience

U.S. Economy Weak in August, Retail Sales Show Potential Resilience

Resilient Retail: Analyzing August’s Economic Trends in U.S. Retail Sales Recent trends in U.S. retail sales offer an intriguing glimpse into economic resilience amidst the challenges of August. The retail sector demonstrated its strength, even as broader economic indicators painted a less optimistic picture. In August, consumer spending and the retail sector were noteworthy, providing insights into economic resilience and offering a beacon of optimism. This anomaly invites a closer look into c

September 16, 20253 min read
U.S. Stock Futures Stagnant Despite Positive Jobless Claims and GDP

U.S. Stock Futures Stagnant Despite Positive Jobless Claims and GDP

Why US Stock Futures Remain Stagnant Despite Positive Economic Indicators The current investment landscape is puzzling for many as US stock futures struggle to show a definite trend despite favorable economic signals. These signals, such as jobless claims and Q2 GDP figures, suggest a healthy economy. Given the roles of the stock market and the Federal Reserve's decisions on rate hikes, it is surprising to witness this stagnation. Inflation trends and the Fed's signals about future policies pla

September 26, 20253 min read
U.S. jobless claims decline to lowest level since mid-July

U.S. jobless claims decline to lowest level since mid-July

U.S. Jobless Claims Drop: A Positive Sign for Economic Growth The U.S. economy is signaling a positive turn as the initial jobless claims have dropped to their lowest level since mid-July, suggesting a more resilient labor market. This decline in jobless claims is not just a number; it reflects crucial dynamics in the U.S. economy and employment landscape. As people file fewer claims for unemployment benefits, it suggests a strengthening employment market and a recovering economy. Also, the cur

September 26, 20253 min read
U.S. Trade Deficit Decreases As Businesses Anticipate Tariff Hikes

U.S. Trade Deficit Decreases As Businesses Anticipate Tariff Hikes

U.S. Trade Deficit Reaches Two-Year Low Amid Anticipated Tariff Hikes The recent announcement that the U.S. trade deficit has reached a two-year low signals significant developments for the national economy. This change may, in part, be influenced by the anticipation of tariff hikes, which are affecting trade patterns. As this event unfolds, it has implications for the U.S. GDP, underscoring the importance of reducing the trade deficit. Trade tensions have long shaped the global economic landsc

September 26, 20252 min read
U.S. Treasury Yields Increase Amid Strong Economic Growth and Inflation Concerns

U.S. Treasury Yields Increase Amid Strong Economic Growth and Inflation Concerns

Treasury Yields Surge Amid Economic Growth and Inflation Concerns Treasury yields are surging as investors closely monitor the evolving U.S. economic landscape. Recent data 10-year Treasury yield. With economic growth on one side and inflation data on the other, it's essential to unpack these complex dynamics. By analyzing these factors, we gain insights into the Federal Reserve's role in shaping monetary policy and the consequential market implications. The Federal Reserve's policies, market v

September 26, 20253 min read

Related Trends

Citation

U.S. Federal Reserve, Merchant Wholesalers, Except Manufacturers' Sales Branches and Offices: Nondurable Goods: Grocery and Related Products Inventories (I4244IM144SCEN), retrieved from FRED.
Retail: Merchant Wholesalers, Except Manufacturers' Sales...