Merchant Wholesalers, Except Manufacturers' Sales Branches and Offices: Durable Goods: Motor Vehicle and Motor Vehicle Parts and Supplies Sales
S4231SM144SCEN • Economic Data from Federal Reserve Economic Data (FRED)
Latest Value
54,002.00
Year-over-Year Change
4.27%
Date Range
1/1/1992 - 6/1/2025
Summary
This economic trend measures sales of durable goods by merchant wholesalers, specifically focusing on motor vehicles and related parts and supplies. It provides insights into wholesale trade activity and supply chain dynamics within the automotive industry.
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: Durable Goods: Motor Vehicle and Motor Vehicle Parts and Supplies Sales trend tracks monthly sales volumes for a critical segment of the wholesale trade sector. It is an important indicator of economic conditions and consumer demand in the automotive industry.
Methodology
The data is collected through surveys of merchant wholesaler businesses by the U.S. Census Bureau.
Historical Context
This trend is closely monitored by policymakers, industry analysts, and economists to assess the health of the automotive supply chain and broader economic trends.
Key Facts
- Motor vehicle and parts wholesaling is a $1 trillion industry in the U.S.
- Wholesale trade accounts for over 5% of total U.S. GDP.
- The automotive industry is a major driver of the U.S. economy.
FAQs
Q: What does this economic trend measure?
A: This trend measures monthly sales volumes of durable goods by merchant wholesalers, with a specific focus on motor vehicles and related parts and supplies.
Q: Why is this trend relevant for users or analysts?
A: This trend provides important insights into wholesale trade activity and supply chain dynamics within the automotive industry, which is a critical sector of the U.S. economy.
Q: How is this data collected or calculated?
A: The data is collected through surveys of merchant wholesaler businesses by the U.S. Census Bureau.
Q: How is this trend used in economic policy?
A: This trend is closely monitored by policymakers, industry analysts, and economists to assess the health of the automotive supply chain and broader economic conditions.
Q: Are there update delays or limitations?
A: The data is released monthly by the U.S. Census Bureau with a short lag, providing timely insights into the wholesale trade sector.
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Citation
U.S. Federal Reserve, Merchant Wholesalers, Except Manufacturers' Sales Branches and Offices: Durable Goods: Motor Vehicle and Motor Vehicle Parts and Supplies Sales (S4231SM144SCEN), retrieved from FRED.