Merchant Wholesalers, Except Manufacturers' Sales Branches and Offices: Nondurable Goods: Drugs and Druggists' Sundries Sales
S4242SM144SCEN • Economic Data from Federal Reserve Economic Data (FRED)
Latest Value
101,886.00
Year-over-Year Change
11.23%
Date Range
1/1/1992 - 6/1/2025
Summary
This economic trend tracks monthly sales by merchant wholesalers of nondurable goods, specifically drugs and druggists' sundries. It provides insights into the distribution and consumption of pharmaceutical and related products.
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 Sales series measures the value of monthly sales by merchant wholesalers of pharmaceuticals, medicines, and related products. This data point is used by economists and policymakers to analyze trends in the distribution and consumption of healthcare-related goods.
Methodology
The data is collected through monthly surveys of merchant wholesaler businesses.
Historical Context
This trend is relevant for understanding consumer demand, supply chain dynamics, and the overall health of the pharmaceutical distribution sector.
Key Facts
- Sales of drugs and druggists' sundries account for over a quarter of total nondurable goods merchant wholesale revenue.
- Merchant wholesaler sales of drugs and sundries have increased by over 50% in the past decade.
- The drugs and druggists' sundries wholesaling sector employs over 300,000 workers nationwide.
FAQs
Q: What does this economic trend measure?
A: This trend measures the monthly sales revenue of merchant wholesalers for drugs, medicines, and related healthcare products, excluding direct sales from manufacturers.
Q: Why is this trend relevant for users or analysts?
A: This data provides insight into consumer demand, supply chain dynamics, and the overall health of the pharmaceutical distribution sector, which is crucial for economic and policy analysis.
Q: How is this data collected or calculated?
A: The data is collected through monthly surveys of merchant wholesaler businesses conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau.
Q: How is this trend used in economic policy?
A: Policymakers and economists use this data to monitor the healthcare and pharmaceutical industries, assess consumer spending patterns, and evaluate the overall state of the economy.
Q: Are there update delays or limitations?
A: The data is released with a 1-2 month lag, and may be subject to revisions as more complete information becomes available.
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Merchant Wholesalers, Except Manufacturers' Sales Branches and Offices: Nondurable Goods: Drugs and Druggists' Sundries Inventories/Sales Ratio
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Citation
U.S. Federal Reserve, Merchant Wholesalers, Except Manufacturers' Sales Branches and Offices: Nondurable Goods: Drugs and Druggists' Sundries Sales (S4242SM144SCEN), retrieved from FRED.