Merchant Wholesalers, Except Manufacturers' Sales Branches and Offices: Nondurable Goods: Chemicals and Allied Products Sales
S4246SM144SCEN • Economic Data from Federal Reserve Economic Data (FRED)
Latest Value
13,074.00
Year-over-Year Change
2.03%
Date Range
1/1/1992 - 6/1/2025
Summary
This economic trend measures sales at merchant wholesalers of nondurable goods, specifically in the chemicals and allied products industry. It provides insight into wholesale trade activity and consumer demand in this key economic 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: Chemicals and Allied Products Sales trend tracks monthly sales by wholesale merchants of chemicals and related products. This data is used by economists and policymakers to analyze the health and trends in the wholesale trade industry.
Methodology
The data is collected through monthly surveys of merchant wholesalers by the U.S. Census Bureau.
Historical Context
Trends in this series are monitored for insights into industrial production, consumer demand, and the broader economy.
Key Facts
- Chemicals and allied products are a major component of U.S. nondurable goods wholesale trade.
- Merchant wholesaler sales are a leading indicator of broader economic activity.
- This series is released monthly by the U.S. Census Bureau.
FAQs
Q: What does this economic trend measure?
A: This trend measures monthly sales by merchant wholesalers of chemicals and allied products, a key component of nondurable goods wholesale trade in the U.S.
Q: Why is this trend relevant for users or analysts?
A: Trends in wholesale trade, especially for products like chemicals, provide valuable insights into industrial production, consumer demand, and the broader state of the economy.
Q: How is this data collected or calculated?
A: The data is collected through monthly surveys of merchant wholesalers conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau.
Q: How is this trend used in economic policy?
A: Economists and policymakers monitor this series for signals about the health of the industrial sector and the overall economy, which can inform policy decisions.
Q: Are there update delays or limitations?
A: This series is released monthly by the Census Bureau with a typical 6-week lag from the end of the reference period.
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Citation
U.S. Federal Reserve, Merchant Wholesalers, Except Manufacturers' Sales Branches and Offices: Nondurable Goods: Chemicals and Allied Products Sales (S4246SM144SCEN), retrieved from FRED.