Subscribe Log in

Economic Trends

September U.S. Wholesale Sales Jump 2.8%, Lifted by Oil & Gas

U.S. wholesale sales jumped 2.8% in September, though an 18.8% Oil & Gas surge amplified the headline. Excluding petroleum, sales still increased about 0.8%, while inventories grew more slowly and remained lean relative to sales. Get our full breakdown and analysis of the latest industry figures.

By Mike Hockett

November 9, 2026

Share

wholesale trade June 2021

The U.S. Census Bureau released its monthly wholesale trade report on Nov. 9, reflecting results through September, which showed another sizable increase in wholesale sales alongside more moderate inventory growth.

September sales of merchant wholesalers — except manufacturers’ sales branches and offices, after adjustments for seasonal variations and trading day differences, but not for price changes — totaled $840.1 billion, up 2.8% from the revised August level and 19.8% year-over-year.

August’s sales increase was revised to 2.0% from 1.8%, extending the industry’s run of strong sequential…

This is a Premium Article

Join NAW to read the full article — plus access to research, data, and intelligence.

As a member, you get:

  • Unlimited premium MDM articles, case studies, and monthly intelligence reports
  • Access to webcasts, podcasts
  • Exclusive whitepapers, research reports, and market data
  • Quarterly M&A, MarketPulse, and Economic Outlook reports
  • Access to NAW Nucleus, NAW SmartBrief, and NAW’s policy and leadership resources

The NAW Professional Membership is $850/year for individuals. It’s the fastest way to unlock this article — and everything else.

Unlock Premium Content


>> Explore all membership options

Related Articles

See More Articles