Merchant Wholesalers, Except Manufacturers' Sales Branches and Offices: Nondurable Goods: Grocery and Related Products Inventories/Sales Ratio
R4244IM163SCEN • Economic Data from Federal Reserve Economic Data (FRED)
Latest Value
0.72
Year-over-Year Change
4.35%
Date Range
1/1/1992 - 6/1/2025
Summary
This economic trend measures the ratio of inventories to sales for wholesale grocery and related products. It provides insight into supply chain dynamics and inventory management within the wholesale nondurable goods sector.
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/Sales Ratio tracks the relationship between inventory levels and sales for wholesale grocers and related product distributors. This metric offers a window into supply and demand conditions, as well as the efficiency of inventory management practices.
Methodology
The data is collected and calculated by the U.S. Census Bureau as part of their monthly wholesale trade survey.
Historical Context
This trend is closely monitored by economists, policymakers, and industry analysts to assess the health of the wholesale grocery supply chain and broader economic conditions.
Key Facts
- The ratio ranges from 0 to 1, with lower values indicating tighter inventory management.
- Grocery and related products account for over 20% of total U.S. wholesale trade.
- This metric helps identify shifts in consumer demand and wholesale distribution efficiency.
FAQs
Q: What does this economic trend measure?
A: This trend measures the ratio of inventories to sales for wholesale merchants of grocery and related products, providing insights into supply chain dynamics and inventory management practices.
Q: Why is this trend relevant for users or analysts?
A: This metric is closely watched by economists, policymakers, and industry analysts as an indicator of the health and efficiency of the wholesale grocery supply chain, which is a critical component of the broader economy.
Q: How is this data collected or calculated?
A: The data is collected and calculated by the U.S. Census Bureau as part of their monthly wholesale trade survey.
Q: How is this trend used in economic policy?
A: This trend is used by policymakers and analysts to assess broader economic conditions and the health of the consumer goods supply chain, which can inform policy decisions and market forecasts.
Q: Are there update delays or limitations?
A: The data is released monthly with a typical 6-week lag, and may be subject to revisions as more complete information becomes available.
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Citation
U.S. Federal Reserve, Merchant Wholesalers, Except Manufacturers' Sales Branches and Offices: Nondurable Goods: Grocery and Related Products Inventories/Sales Ratio (R4244IM163SCEN), retrieved from FRED.