Merchant Wholesalers, Except Manufacturers' Sales Branches and Offices: Durable Goods: Lumber and Other Construction Materials Sales

S4233SM144SCEN • Economic Data from Federal Reserve Economic Data (FRED)

Latest Value

17,513.00

Year-over-Year Change

-0.97%

Date Range

1/1/1992 - 6/1/2025

Summary

This economic trend measures sales of durable goods, specifically lumber and other construction materials, by merchant wholesalers in the United States. It is a key indicator of activity in the construction and housing sectors.

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: Lumber and Other Construction Materials Sales trend represents monthly sales figures for merchant wholesalers of durable goods related to the construction industry. This data provides insight into the supply-side dynamics of the construction sector.

Methodology

The data is collected through monthly surveys of merchant wholesale businesses in the United States.

Historical Context

This trend is closely monitored by economists, policymakers, and industry analysts to assess the health of the construction industry and broader economic conditions.

Key Facts

  • Merchant wholesalers account for a significant portion of durable goods sales in the U.S.
  • Lumber and construction materials are essential inputs for the housing and construction industries.
  • This trend is a leading indicator of activity in the construction sector.

FAQs

Q: What does this economic trend measure?

A: This trend measures the monthly sales of durable goods, specifically lumber and other construction materials, by merchant wholesalers in the United States.

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

A: This trend provides insight into the supply-side dynamics of the construction industry, which is a crucial sector of the U.S. economy. It is closely monitored by economists, policymakers, and industry analysts to assess the health of the construction sector and broader economic conditions.

Q: How is this data collected or calculated?

A: The data is collected through monthly surveys of merchant wholesale businesses in the United States.

Q: How is this trend used in economic policy?

A: This trend is used by economists and policymakers to monitor the construction industry and inform decision-making related to economic and housing policies.

Q: Are there update delays or limitations?

A: The data is released on a monthly basis, with a typical update delay of several weeks. There may be some limitations in capturing all merchant wholesaler activity, but the data provides a reliable indicator of trends in the construction materials market.

Related Trends

Citation

U.S. Federal Reserve, Merchant Wholesalers, Except Manufacturers' Sales Branches and Offices: Durable Goods: Lumber and Other Construction Materials Sales (S4233SM144SCEN), retrieved from FRED.