The U.S. Census Bureau announced today that June 2010 sales of merchant wholesalers, except manufacturers’ sales branches and offices, after adjustment for seasonal variations and trading-day differences but not for price changes, were $347.4 billion, down 0.7 percent (+/-0.5%) from the revised May level, but were up 12.9 percent (+/-1.6%) from the June 2009 level. The May preliminary estimate was revised downward $0.8 billion or 0.2 percent. June sales of durable goods were down 0.2 percent (+/-0.9%) from last month, but were up 16.1 percent (+/-1.8%) from a year ago. Sales of lumber and other construction materials were down 3.2 percent from last month, while sales of motor vehicle and motor vehicle parts and supplies were up 2.9 percent. Sales of nondurable goods were down 1.1 percent (+/-1.1%) from last month, but were up 10.3 percent (+/-2.1%) from last year. Sales of petroleum and petroleum products were down 5.5 percent from last month.

Total inventories of merchant wholesalers, except manufacturers’ sales branches and offices, after adjustment for seasonal variations but not for price changes, were $399.2 billion at the end of June, up 0.1 percent (+/-0.4%) from the revised May level, but were down 0.3 percent (+/-1.2%) from a year ago. The May preliminary estimate was revised downward $0.1 billion. End-of-month inventories of durable goods were up 0.3 percent (+/-0.4%) from last month, but were down 2.6 percent (+/-1.4%) from last June. Inventories of electrical and electronic goods were up 2.4 percent from last month. End-of-month inventories of nondurable goods were down 0.2 percent (+/-0.9%) from May, but were up 3.5 percent (+/-2.1%) compared to last June. Inventories of farm product raw materials were down 4.7 percent from last month, while inventories of chemicals and allied products were up 3.5 percent.

The June inventories/sales ratio for merchant wholesalers, except manufacturers’ sales branches and offices, based on seasonally adjusted data, was 1.15. The June 2009 ratio was 1.30.

The U.S. Census Bureau announced today that May 2010 sales of merchant wholesalers, except manufacturers’ sales branches and offices, after adjustment for seasonal variations and trading-day differences but not for price changes, were $350.6 billion, down 0.3 percent (+/-0.5%) from the revised April level, but were up 15.1 percent (+/-1.6%) from the May 2009 level. The April preliminary estimate was revised upward $0.6 billion or 0.2 percent. May sales of durable goods were up 0.5 percent (+/-0.7%) from last month and were up 18.2 percent (+/-1.9%) from a year ago. Sales of metals and minerals, except petroleum were up 5.9 percent from last month and sales of computer and computer peripheral equipment and software were up 1.8 percent. Sales of nondurable goods were down 1.0 percent (+/-0.5%) from last month, but were up 12.6 percent (+/-2.1%) from last year. Sales of farm product raw materials were down 6.9 percent from last month.

Total inventories of merchant wholesalers, except manufacturers’ sales branches and offices, after adjustment for seasonal variations but not for price changes, were $398.8 billion at the end of May, up 0.5 percent (+/-0.4%) from the revised April level, but were down 2.1 percent (+/-1.1%) from a year ago. The April preliminary estimate was revised downward $0.9 billion or 0.2 percent. End-of-month inventories of durable goods were up 0.7 percent (+/-0.4%) from last month, but were down 4.4 percent (+/-1.2%) from last May. Inventories of machinery, equipment, and supplies were up 1.7 percent from last month and inventories of computer and computer peripheral equipment and software were up 1.6 percent. End-of-month inventories of nondurable goods were up 0.1 percent (+/-0.5%) from April and were up 1.6 percent (+/-2.1%) compared to last May. Inventories of beer, wine, and distilled alcoholic beverages were up 3.7 percent from last month, while inventories of petroleum and petroleum products were down 6.0 percent.

The May inventories/sales ratio for merchant wholesalers, except manufacturers’ sales branches and offices, based on seasonally adjusted data, was 1.14. The May 2009 ratio was 1.34.

The U.S. Census Bureau announced today that April 2010 sales of merchant wholesalers, except manufacturers’ sales branches and offices, after adjustment for seasonal variations and trading-day differences but not for price changes, were $351.1 billion, up 0.7 percent (+/-0.9%) from the revised March level and were up 16.3 percent (+/-1.6%) from the April 2009 level. The March preliminary estimate was revised upward $0.7 billion or 0.2 percent. April sales of durable goods were up 2.0 percent (+/-0.9%) from last month and were up 17.7 percent (+/-2.3%) from a year ago. Sales of lumber and other construction materials were up 9.1 percent from last month and sales of electrical and electronic goods were up 3.5 percent. Sales of nondurable goods were down 0.4 percent (+/-1.1%) from last month, but were up 15.1 percent (+/-1.9%) from last year. Sales of petroleum and petroleum products were down 3.5 percent from last month.

Total inventories of merchant wholesalers, except manufacturers’ sales branches and offices, after adjustment for seasonal variations but not for price changes, were $397.8 billion at the end of April, up 0.4 percent (+/-0.4%) from the revised March level, but were down 3.2 percent (+/-1.1%) from a year ago. The March preliminary estimate was revised upward $1.3 billion or 0.3 percent. End-of-month inventories of durable goods were up 0.3 percent (+/-0.5%) from last month, but were down 6.7 percent (+/-1.2%) from last April. Inventories of computer and computer peripheral equipment and software were up 3.8 percent from last month, while inventories of hardware, and plumbing and heating equipment and supplies were down 0.7 percent. End-of-month inventories of nondurable goods were up 0.7 percent (+/-0.7%) from March and were up 2.4 percent (+/-1.8%) compared to last April. Inventories of petroleum and petroleum products were up 6.9 percent from last month and inventories of paper and paper products were up 2.2 percent.

The April inventories/sales ratio for merchant wholesalers, except manufacturers’ sales branches and offices, based on seasonally adjusted data, was 1.13. The April 2009 ratio was 1.36.

The U.S. Census Bureau announced today that March 2010 sales of merchant wholesalers, except manufacturers’ sales branches and offices, after adjustment for seasonal variations and trading-day differences but not for price changes, were $348.0 billion, up 2.4 percent (+/-0.5%) from the revised February level and were up 15.8 percent (+/-1.2%) from the March 2009 level. The February preliminary estimate was revised upward $1.1 billion or 0.3 percent. March sales of durable goods were up 2.0 percent (+/-0.9%) from last month and were up 13.7 percent (+/-1.8%) from a year ago. Sales of lumber and other construction materials were up 16.3 percent from last month and sales of metals and minerals, except petroleum, were up 6.0 percent. Sales of nondurable goods were up 2.8 percent (+/-0.9%) from last month and were up 17.6 percent (+/-1.6%) from last year. Sales of petroleum and petroleum products were up 6.6 percent from last month and sales of beer, wine, and distilled alcoholic beverages were up 3.9 percent.

Total inventories of merchant wholesalers, except manufacturers’ sales branches and offices, after adjustment for seasonal variations but not for price changes, were $394.8 billion at the end of March, up 0.4 percent (+/-0.5%) from the revised February level, but were down 5.3 percent (+/-1.1%) from a year ago. The February preliminary estimate was revised downward $0.3 billion or 0.1 percent. End-of-month inventories of durable goods were up 0.8 percent (+/-0.4%) from last month, but were down 9.2 percent (+/-1.2%) from last March. Inventories of metals and minerals, except petroleum were up 3.6 percent from last month and inventories of computer and computer peripheral equipment and software were up 2.6 percent. End-of-month inventories of nondurable goods were down 0.2 percent (+/-0.7%) from February, but were up 1.0 percent (+/-1.6%) compared to last March. Inventories of farm product raw materials were down 5.1 percent from last month, while inventories of petroleum and petroleum products were up 1.7 percent.

The March inventories/sales ratio for merchant wholesalers, except manufacturers’ sales branches and offices, based on seasonally adjusted data, was 1.13. The March 2009 ratio was 1.39.

The U.S. Census Bureau announced today that February 2010 sales of merchant wholesalers, except manufacturers’ sales branches and offices, after adjustment for seasonal variations and trading-day differences but not for price changes, were $338.7 billion, up 0.8 percent (+/-0.7%) from the revised January level and were up 9.8 percent (+/-1.2%) from the February 2009 level. The January preliminary estimate was revised downward $1.0 billion or 0.3 percent. February sales of durable goods were up 0.2 percent (+/-0.9%) from last month and were up 6.5 percent (+/-1.4%) from a year ago. Compared to last month, sales of motor vehicle and motor vehicle parts and supplies were up 2.4 percent, while sales of hardware, and plumbing and heating equipment and supplies were down 3.1 percent. Sales of nondurable goods were up 1.4 percent (+/-1.1%) from last month and were up 12.6 percent (+/-1.8%) from last year. Sales of petroleum and petroleum products were up 3.7 percent from last month.

Total inventories of merchant wholesalers, except manufacturers’ sales branches and offices, after adjustment for seasonal variations but not for price changes, were $393.5 billion at the end of February, up 0.6 percent (+/-0.5%) from the revised January level, but were down 7.4 percent (+/-1.1%) from a year ago. The January preliminary estimate was revised upward $1.0 billion or 0.3 percent. End-of-month inventories of durable goods were up 0.5 percent (+/-0.7%) from last month, but were down 12.3 percent (+/-1.2%) from last February. Inventories of computer and computer peripheral equipment and software were up 2.5 percent from last month and inventories of lumber and other construction materials were up 2.0 percent. End-of-month inventories of nondurable goods increased 0.8 percent (+/-0.5%) from January and were up 0.7 percent (+/-1.8%) compared to last February. Inventories of petroleum and petroleum products were up 3.1 percent from last month and inventories of chemicals and allied products were up 2.9 percent.

The February inventories/sales ratio for merchant wholesalers, except manufacturers’ sales branches and offices, based on seasonally adjusted data, was 1.16. The February 2009 ratio was 1.38.

The U.S. Census Bureau announced today that January 2010 sales of merchant wholesalers, except manufacturers’ sales branches and offices, after adjustment for seasonal variations and trading-day differences but not for price changes, were $346.7 billion, up 1.3 percent (+/-0.9%) from the revised December level and were up 10.5 percent (+/-1.2%) from the January 2009 level. The December preliminary estimate was revised upward $1.3 billion or 0.4 percent. January sales of durable goods were up 0.3 percent (+/-1.2%) from last month and were up 9.5 percent (+/-2.3%) from a year ago. Compared to last month, sales of hardware, and plumbing and heating equipment and supplies were up 3.9 percent. Sales of nondurable goods were up 2.0 percent (+/-1.1%) from last month and were up 11.3 percent (+/-1.2%) from last year. Sales of farm product raw materials were up 5.0 percent and sales of grocery and related products were up 2.4 percent from last month.

Total inventories of merchant wholesalers, except manufacturers’ sales branches and offices, after adjustment for seasonal variations but not for price changes, were $382.2 billion at the end of January, down 0.2 percent (+/-0.4%) from the revised December level and were down 9.7 percent (+/-1.1%) from a year ago. The December preliminary estimate was revised downward $0.8 billion or 0.2 percent. End-of-month inventories of durable goods were down 0.5 percent (+/-0.4%) from last month and were down 15.4 percent (+/-1.1%) from last January. Inventories of machinery, equipment, and supplies were down 1.8 percent from last month. End-of-month inventories of nondurable goods increased 0.3 percent (+/-0.7%) from December and were up 0.1 percent (+/-1.6%) compared to last January. Inventories of petroleum and petroleum products were up 4.7 percent from last month, while inventories of farm product raw materials were down 4.5 percent.

The January inventories/sales ratio for merchant wholesalers, except manufacturers’ sales branches and offices, based on seasonally adjusted data, was 1.10. The January 2009 ratio was 1.35.

The U.S. Census Bureau announced today that December 2009 sales of merchant wholesalers, except manufacturers’ sales branches and offices, after adjustment for seasonal variations and trading-day differences but not for price changes, were $341.2 billion, up 0.8 percent (+/-0.9%) from the revised November level and were up 5.7 percent (+/-1.4%) from the December 2008 level. The November preliminary estimate was revised upward $0.9 billion or 0.3 percent. December sales of durable goods were up 3.0 percent (+/-1.6%) from last month and were up 2.3 percent (+/-2.6%) from a year ago. Compared to last month, sales of machinery, equipment, and supplies were up 7.5 percent and sales of metals and minerals, except petroleum, were up 5.7 percent. Sales of nondurable goods were down 0.8 percent (+/-1.1%) from last month, but were up 8.8 percent (+/-1.6%) from last year. Sales of farm product raw materials were down 14.1 percent and sales of drugs and druggists' sundries were down 3.3 percent from last month.

Total inventories of merchant wholesalers, except manufacturers’ sales branches and offices, after adjustment for seasonal variations but not for price changes, were $383.6 billion at the end of December, down 0.8 percent (+/-0.5%) from the revised November level and were down 10.2 percent (+/-1.2%) from a year ago. The November preliminary estimate was revised upward $0.4 billion or 0.1 percent. End-of-month inventories of durable goods were down 1.1 percent (+/-0.7%) from last month and were down 15.9 percent (+/-1.4%) from last December. Inventories of metals and minerals, except petroleum, were down 3.1 percent from last month and inventories of motor vehicle and motor vehicle parts and supplies were down 2.5 percent. End-of-month inventories of nondurable goods decreased 0.3 percent (+/-0.5%) from November and were down 0.2 percent (+/-1.4%) compared to last December. Inventories of farm product raw materials were down 4.5 percent from last month, while inventories of petroleum and petroleum products were up 3.6 percent.

The December inventories/sales ratio for merchant wholesalers, except manufacturers’ sales branches and offices, based on seasonally adjusted data, was 1.12. The December 2008 ratio was 1.32.

The U.S. Census Bureau announced today that November 2009 sales of merchant wholesalers, except manufacturers’ sales branches and offices, after adjustment for seasonal variations and trading-day differences but not for price changes, were $337.4 billion, up 3.3 percent (+/-0.7%) from the revised October level and were up 0.6 percent (+/-1.6%) from the November 2008 level. The October preliminary estimate was revised upward $0.5 billion or 0.1 percent. November sales of durable goods were up 1.9 percent (+/-0.9%) from last month, but were down 4.2 percent (+/-3.0%) from a year ago. Compared to last month, sales of electrical and electronic goods were up 5.9 percent and sales of lumber and other construction materials were up 1.9 percent. Sales of nondurable goods were up 4.4 percent (+/-1.1%) from last month and were up 4.7 percent (+/-1.4%) from last year. Sales of farm product raw materials were up 29.6 percent and sales of petroleum and petroleum products were up 7.5 percent from last month.

Total inventories of merchant wholesalers, except manufacturers’ sales branches and offices, after adjustment for seasonal variations but not for price changes, were $386.3 billion at the end of November, up 1.5 percent (+/-0.4%) from the revised October level, but were down 11.0 percent (+/-1.1%) from a year ago. The November preliminary estimate was revised upward $1.0 billion or 0.3 percent. End-of-month inventories of durable goods were down 0.3 percent (+/-0.4%) from last month and were down 16.1 percent (+/-1.1%) from last November. Inventories of machinery, equipment, and supplies were down 1.4 percent from last month, while inventories of computer and computer peripheral equipment and software were up 2.2 percent. End-of-month inventories of nondurable goods increased 4.2 percent (+/-0.9%) from October, but were down 2.2 percent (+/-1.2%) compared to last November. Inventories of farm product raw materials were up 29.8 percent from last month and inventories of petroleum and petroleum products were up 7.0 percent.

The November inventories/sales ratio for merchant wholesalers, except manufacturers’ sales branches and offices, based on seasonally adjusted data, was 1.14. The November 2008 ratio was 1.29.

The U.S. Census Bureau announced today that October 2009 sales of merchant wholesalers, except manufacturers’ sales branches and offices, after adjustment for seasonal variations and trading-day differences but not for price changes, were $326.2 billion, up 1.2 percent (+/-0.7%) from the revised September level, but were down 9.6 percent (+/-1.6%) from the October 2008 level. The September preliminary estimate was revised upward $2.0 billion or 0.6 percent. October sales of durable goods were up 0.8 percent (+/-1.4%) from last month, but were down 11.1 percent (+/-2.6%) from a year ago. Sales of computer and computer peripheral equipment and software were up 5.8 percent from last month and sales of electrical and electronic goods were up 5.3 percent. Sales of nondurable goods were up 1.6 percent (+/-0.7%) from last month, but were down 8.3 percent (+/-1.1%) from last year. Sales of petroleum and petroleum products were up 5.9 percent from last month and sales of farm product raw materials were up 5.1 percent.

Total inventories of merchant wholesalers, except manufacturers’ sales branches and offices, after adjustment for seasonal variations but not for price changes, were $379.6 billion at the end of October, up 0.3 percent (+/-0.5%) from the revised September level, but were down 13.5 percent (+/-1.2%) from a year ago. The September preliminary estimate was revised upward $0.6 billion or 0.1 percent. End-of-month inventories of durable goods were down 0.4 percent (+/-0.5%) from last month and were down 16.7 percent (+/-1.1%) from last October. Inventories of metals and minerals, except petroleum, were down 1.5 percent from last month, while motor vehicle and motor vehicle parts and supplies were up 1.7 percent. End-of-month inventories of nondurable goods were up 1.5 percent (+/-0.9%) from September, but down 8.1 percent (+/-1.8%) compared to last October. Inventories of farm product raw materials were up 11.4 percent from last month and inventories of petroleum and petroleum products were up 4.6 percent.

The October inventories/sales ratio for merchant wholesalers, except manufacturers’ sales branches and offices, based on seasonally adjusted data, was 1.16. The October 2008 ratio was 1.22.

The U.S. Census Bureau announced today that September 2009 sales of merchant wholesalers, except manufacturers’ sales branches and offices, after adjustment for seasonal variations and trading-day differences but not for price changes, were $320.2 billion, up 0.7 percent (+/-1.1%) from the revised August level, but were down 15.2 percent (+/-1.6%) from the September 2008 level. The August preliminary estimate was revised upward $0.2 billion or 0.1 percent. September sales of durable goods were up 0.7 percent (+/-1.2%) from last month, but were down 16.2 percent (+/-2.5%) from a year ago. Sales of nondurable goods were up 0.6 percent (+/-1.2%) from last month, but were down 14.3 percent (+/-1.8%) from last year.

Total inventories of merchant wholesalers, except manufacturers’ sales branches and offices, after adjustment for seasonal variations but not for price changes, were $377.7 billion at the end of September, down 0.9 percent (+/-0.5%) from the revised August level and were down 15.0 percent (+/-1.1%) from a year ago. The August preliminary estimate was revised downward $0.1 billion. End-of-month inventories of durable goods were down 0.9 percent (+/-0.5%) from last month and were down 16.6 percent (+/-1.1%) from last September. Inventories of metals and minerals, except petroleum, were down 2.5 percent from last month and inventories of machinery, equipment, and supplies were down 1.4 percent. End-of-month inventories of nondurable goods were down 0.9 (+/-0.7%) from August and were down 12.4 percent (+/-1.4%) compared to last September. Inventories of farm product raw materials were down 5.6 percent from last month and inventories of beer, wine, and distilled alcoholic beverages were down 4.8 percent.

The September inventories/sales ratio for merchant wholesalers, except manufacturers’ sales branches and offices, based on seasonally adjusted data, was 1.18. The September 2008 ratio was 1.18.

The U.S. Census Bureau announced today that August 2009 sales of merchant wholesalers, except manufacturers’ sales branches and offices, after adjustment for seasonal variations and trading-day differences but not for price changes, were $317.9 billion, up 1.0 percent (+/-0.5%) from the revised July level, but were down 17.7 percent (+/-1.4%) from the August 2008 level. The July preliminary estimate was revised upward $0.2 billion or 0.1 percent. August sales of durable goods were up 1.2 percent (+/-0.5%) from last month, but were down 18.8 percent (+/-2.1%) from a year ago. Sales of motor vehicle and motor vehicle parts and supplies were up 7.7 percent from last month and sales of electrical and electronic goods were up 2.5 percent from last month. Sales of nondurable goods were up 0.9 percent (+/-1.1%) from last month, but were down 16.7 percent (+/-1.6%) from last year. Sales of petroleum and petroleum products were up 7.0 percent from last month.

Total inventories of merchant wholesalers, except manufacturers’ sales branches and offices, after adjustment for seasonal variations but not for price changes, were $381.2 billion at the end of August, down 1.3 percent (+/-0.4%) from the revised July level and were down 14.7 percent (+/-1.2%) from a year ago. The July preliminary estimate was revised downward $0.9 billion or 0.2 percent. End-of-month inventories of durable goods were down 1.6 percent (+/-0.4%) from last month and were down 15.5 percent (+/-1.1%) from last August. Inventories of metals and minerals, except petroleum, were down 4.3 percent from last month and inventories of motor vehicle and motor vehicle parts and supplies were down 2.3 percent. End-of-month inventories of nondurable goods were down 0.9 (+/-0.7%) from July and were down 13.3 percent (+/-1.6%) compared to last August. Inventories of paper and paper products were down 2.1 percent from last month and inventories of drugs and druggists' sundries were down 1.9 percent.

The August inventories/sales ratio for merchant wholesalers, except manufacturers’ sales branches and offices, based on seasonally adjusted data, was 1.20. The August 2008 ratio was 1.16.

The U.S. Census Bureau announced today that July 2009 sales of merchant wholesalers, except manufacturers’ sales branches and offices, after adjustment for seasonal variations and trading-day differences but not for price changes, were $314.5 billion, up 0.5 percent (+/-0.5%)* from the revised June level, but were down 19.8 percent (+/-1.1%) from the July 2008 level. The June preliminary estimate was revised downward $0.2 billion or 0.1 percent. July sales of durable goods were up 1.0 percent (+/-1.1%)* from last month, but were down 21.3 percent (+/-1.8%) from a year ago. Sales of hardware, and plumbing and heating equipment and supplies were up 2.3 percent from last month. Sales of nondurable goods were up 0.1 percent (+/-0.9%)* from last month, but were down 18.6 percent (+/-1.4%) from last year. Sales of drugs and druggists' sundries were up 3.5 percent from last month, while farm product raw materials were down 3.2 percent.

Total inventories of merchant wholesalers, except manufacturers’ sales branches and offices, after adjustment for seasonal variations but not for price changes, were $387.2 billion at the end of July, down 1.4 percent (+/-0.4%) from the revised June level and were down 12.8 percent (+/-1.1%) from a year ago. The June preliminary estimate was revised downward $1.4 billion or 0.4 percent. End-of-month inventories of durable goods were down 1.5 percent (+/-0.4%) from last month and were down 13.0 percent (+/-1.2%) from last July. Inventories of metals and minerals, except petroleum, were down 4.4 percent from last month and inventories of furniture and home furnishings were down 2.7 percent. End-of-month inventories of nondurable goods were down 1.0 (+/-0.4%) from June and were down 12.4 percent (+/-1.4%) compared to last July. Inventories of farm product raw materials were down 5.1 percent from last month and inventories of beer, wine, and distilled alcoholic beverages were down 2.8 percent.

The July inventories/sales ratio for merchant wholesalers, except manufacturers’ sales branches and offices, based on seasonally adjusted data, was 1.23. The July 2008 ratio was 1.13.

The U.S. Census Bureau announced today that June 2009 sales of merchant wholesalers, except manufacturers’ sales branches and offices, after adjustment for seasonal variations and trading-day differences but not for price changes, were $313.1 billion, up 0.4 percent (+/-0.7%) from the revised May level, but were down 21.0 percent (+/-1.4%) from the June 2008 level. The May preliminary estimate was revised upward $0.8 billion or 0.2 percent. June sales of durable goods were up 0.7 percent (+/-0.9%) from last month, but were down 22.9 percent (+/-1.9%) from a year ago. Sales of motor vehicle and motor vehicle parts and supplies were up 4.5 percent from last month. Sales of nondurable goods were up 0.1 percent (+/-1.1%) from last month, but were down 19.4 percent (+/-1.6%) from last year. Sales of petroleum and petroleum products were up 7.1 percent from last month, while sales of drugs and duggists' sundries were down 4.7 percent.

Total inventories of merchant wholesalers, except manufacturers’ sales branches and offices, after adjustment for seasonal variations but not for price changes, were $393.9 billion at the end of June, down 1.7 percent (+/-0.4%) from the revised May level and were down 10.3 percent (+/-1.2%) from a year ago. The May preliminary estimate was revised downward $1.4 billion or 0.4 percent. End-of-month inventories of durable goods were down 1.5 percent (+/-0.4%) from last month and were down 10.4 percent (+/-1.4%) from last June. Inventories of metals and minerals, except petroleum, were down 6.2 percent from last month and inventories of lumber and other construction materials were down 2.5 percent. End-of-month inventories of nondurable goods were down 2.0 (+/-0.7%) from May and were down 10.2 percent (+/-1.6%) compared to last June. Inventories of farm product raw materials were down 11.6 percent from last month and inventories of petroleum and petroleum products were down 2.7 percent.

The June inventories/sales ratio for merchant wholesalers, except manufacturers’ sales branches and offices, based on seasonally adjusted data, was 1.26. The June 2008 ratio was 1.11.

The U.S. Census Bureau announced today that May 2009 sales of merchant wholesalers, except manufacturers’ sales branches and offices, after adjustment for seasonal variations and trading-day differences but not for price changes, were $311.3 billion, up 0.2 percent (+/-0.5%)* from the revised April level, but were down 19.9 percent (+/-1.4%) from the May 2008 level. The April preliminary estimate was revised upward $1.4 billion or 0.4 percent. May sales of durable goods were down 0.2 percent (+/-0.7%)* from last month and were down 23.0 percent (+/-1.6%) from a year ago. Sales of metals and minerals, except petroleum were down 8.1 percent for last month, while motor vehicle and motor vehicle parts and supplies were up 4.4 percent. Sales of nondurable goods were up 0.5 percent (+/-0.9%)* from last month, but were down 17.2 percent (+/-1.8%) from last year. Sales of petroleum and petroleum products were up 4.6 percent from last month and sales of drugs and duggists' sundries were up 1.4 percent.

Total inventories of merchant wholesalers, except manufacturers’ sales branches and offices, after adjustment for seasonal variations but not for price changes, were $402.2 billion at the end of May, down 0.8 percent (+/-0.4%) from the revised April level and were down 7.6 percent (+/-1.2%) from a year ago. The April preliminary estimate was revised upward $0.2 billion. End-of-month inventories of durable goods were down 1.5 percent (+/-0.4%) from last month and were down 8.2 percent (+/-1.6%) from last May. Inventories of metals and minerals, except petroleum were down 5.2 percent from last month and inventories of lumber and other construction materials were down 3.2 percent. End-of-month inventories of nondurable goods were up 0.3 (+/-0.7%)* from April, but were down 6.6 percent (+/-1.6%) compared to last May. Inventories of farm product raw materials were up 6.1 percent from last month, while inventories of paper and paper products were down 2.2 percent.

The May inventories/sales ratio for merchant wholesalers, except anufacturers’ sales branches and offices, based on seasonally adjusted data, was 1.29. The May 2008 ratio was 1.12.

The U.S. Census Bureau announced today that April 2009 sales of merchant wholesalers, except manufacturers’ sales branches and offices, after adjustment for seasonal variations and trading-day differences but not for price changes, were $309.4 billion, down 0.4 percent (+/-0.7%) from the revised March level and were down 19.5 percent (+/-1.6%) from the April 2008 level. The March preliminary estimate was revised downward $0.2 billion or 0.1 percent. April sales of durable goods were down 1.9 percent (+/-0.9%) from last month and were down 23.4 percent (+/-1.9%) from a year ago. Sales of motor vehicle and motor vehicle parts and supplies, were down 7.8 percent from last month and sales of metals and minerals, except petroleum were down 6.5 percent. Sales of nondurable goods were up 0.8 percent (+/-0.9%) from last month, but were down 16.1 percent (+/-1.9%) from last year. Sales of farm product raw materials were up 10.5 percent from last month and sales of beer, wine, and distilled alcoholic beverages were up 2.6 percent.

Total inventories of merchant wholesalers, except manufacturers’ sales branches and offices, after adjustment for seasonal variations but not for price changes, were $405.4 billion at the end of April, down 1.4 percent (+/-0.4%) from the revised March level and were down 6.2 percent (+/-1.1%) from a year ago. The March preliminary estimate was revised downward $0.6 billion or 0.1 percent. End-of-month inventories of durable goods were down 2.2 percent (+/-0.4%) from last month and were down 5.9 percent (+/-1.2%) from last April. Inventories of metals and minerals, except petroleum, were down 6.8 percent from last month and inventories of motor vehicle and motor vehicle parts and supplies were down 4.5 percent. End-of-month inventories of nondurable goods were virtually unchanged (+/-0.7%) from March, but were down 6.6 percent (+/-1.9%) compared to last April. Inventories of apparel, piece goods, and notions were down 2.6 percent from last month, while inventories of paper and paper products were up 2.8 percent.

The April inventories/sales ratio for merchant wholesalers, except manufacturers’ sales branches and offices, based on seasonally adjusted data, was 1.31. The April 2008 ratio was 1.12.

The U.S. Census Bureau announced today that March 2009 sales of merchant wholesalers, except manufacturers’ sales branches and offices, after adjustment for seasonal variations and trading-day differences but not for price changes, were $310.9 billion, down 2.4 percent (+/-0.7%) from the revised February level and were down 18.1 percent (+/-1.2%) from the March 2008 level. The February preliminary estimate was revised downward $1.2 billion or 0.4 percent. March sales of durable goods were down 3.3 percent (+/-1.2%) from last month and were down 19.6 percent (+/-1.8%) from a year ago. Sales of metals and minerals, except petroleum, were down 10.6 percent from last month and sales of electrical and electronic goods were down 5.9 percent. Sales of nondurable goods were down 1.6 percent (+/-0.7%) from last month and were down 16.9 percent (+/-1.6%) from last year. Sales of petroleum and petroleum products were down 5.1 percent from last month and sales of chemicals and allied products were down 5.0 percent.

Total inventories of merchant wholesalers, except manufacturers’ sales branches and offices, after adjustment for seasonal variations but not for price changes, were $411.7 billion at the end of March, down 1.6 percent (+/-0.5%) from the revised February level and were down 3.5 percent (+/-0.7%) from a year ago. The February preliminary estimate was revised downward $0.8 billion or 0.2 percent. End-of-month inventories of durable goods were down 2.4 percent (+/-0.5%) from last month and were down 2.4 percent (+/-0.9%) from last March. Inventories of metals and minerals, except petroleum, were down 7.0 percent from last month and inventories of motor vehicle and motor vehicle parts and supplies were down 5.0 percent. End-of-month inventories of nondurable goods decreased 0.3 percent (+/-0.7%)* from February and were down 5.2 percent (+/-1.6%) compared to last March. Inventories of chemicals and allied products were down 6.0 percent from last month, while inventories of petroleum and petroleum products were up 7.9 percent.

The March inventories/sales ratio for merchant wholesalers, except manufacturers’ sales branches and offices, based on seasonally adjusted data, was 1.32. The March 2008 ratio was 1.12.

The U.S. Census Bureau announced today that February 2009 sales of merchant wholesalers, except manufacturers’ sales branches and offices, after adjustment for seasonal variations and trading-day differences but not for price changes, were $319.7 billion, up 0.6 percent (+/-0.7%) from the revised January level and were down 14.3 percent (+/-1.6%) from the February 2008 level. The January preliminary estimate was revised downward $0.7 billion or 0.2 percent. February sales of durable goods were up 2.0 percent (+/-1.4%) from last month, but were down 14.8 percent (+/-2.1%) from a year ago. Compared to last month, sales of motor vehicle and motor vehicle parts and supplies were up 3.7 percent, while sales of metals and minerals, except petroleum, were down 5.6 percent. Sales of nondurable goods were down 0.4 percent (+/-0.7%) from last month and were down 13.8 percent (+/-1.6%) from last year. Sales of chemicals and allied products were down 4.6 percent from last month.

Total inventories of merchant wholesalers, except manufacturers’ sales branches and offices, after adjustment for seasonal variations but not for price changes, were $419.3 billion at the end of February, down 1.5 percent (+/-0.4%) from the revised January level, and were down 1.7 percent (+/-0.9%) from a year ago. The January preliminary estimate was revised upward $0.2 billion. End-of-month inventories of durable goods were down 2.4 percent (+/-0.5%) from last month, but were up 0.7 percent (+/-1.1%) from last February. Inventories of motor vehicle and motor vehicle parts and supplies were down 7.9 percent from last month and inventories of furniture and home furnishings were down 3.0 percent. End-of month inventories of nondurable goods decreased 0.2 percent (+/-0.5%) from January and were down 5.5 percent (+/-1.9%) compared to last February. Inventories of farm product raw materials were down 5.4 percent from last month, and inventories of paper and paper products were down 4.8 percent.

The February inventories/sales ratio for merchant wholesalers, except manufacturers’ sales branches and offices, based on seasonally adjusted data, was 1.31. The February 2008 ratio was 1.14.

The U.S. Census Bureau announced today that January 2009 sales of merchant wholesalers, except manufacturers’ sales branches and offices, after adjustment for seasonal variations and trading-day differences but not for price changes, were $326.1 billion, down 2.9 percent (+/-0.9%) from the revised December level and were down 15.4 percent (+/-1.1%) from the January 2008 level. The December preliminary estimate was revised downward $0.3 billion or 0.1 percent. January sales of durable goods were down 6.5 percent (+/-1.4%) from last month and were down 17.3 percent (+/-1.6%) from a year ago. Compared to last month, sales of metals and minerals, except petroleum, were down 15.3 percent and sales of machinery, equipment, and supplies were down 10.8 percent. Sales of nondurable goods were up 0.3 percent (+/-1.1%) from last month, but were down 13.7 percent (+/-1.8%) from last year. Sales of chemicals and allied products were down 4.9 percent from last month, while sales of drugs and druggists' sundries were up 2.1 percent.

Total inventories of merchant wholesalers, except manufacturers’ sales branches and offices, after adjustment for seasonal variations but not for price changes, were $424.2 billion at the end of January, down 0.7 percent (+/-0.4%) from the revised December level, but were up 1.0 percent (+/-0.9%) from a year ago. The December preliminary estimate was revised downward $0.2 billion. End-of-month inventories of durable goods were down 1.3 percent (+/-0.4%) from last month, but were up 4.0 percent (+/-1.2%) from last January. Inventories of motor vehicle and motor vehicle parts and supplies were down 4.8 percent from last month and inventories of furniture and home furnishings were down 3.5 percent. End-of month inventories of nondurable goods increased 0.2 percent (+/-0.7%)* from December, but were down 3.7 percent (+/-1.9%) compared to last January. Inventories of petroleum and petroleum products were up 12.4 percent from last month, while inventories of chemicals and allied products were down 6.6 percent.

The January inventories/sales ratio for merchant wholesalers, except manufacturers’ sales branches and offices, based on seasonally adjusted data, was 1.30. The January 2008 ratio was 1.09.

The U.S. Census Bureau announced today that December 2008 sales of merchant wholesalers, except manufacturers’ sales branches and offices, after adjustment for seasonal variations and trading-day differences but not for price changes, were $336.1 billion, down 3.6 percent (+/-0.7%) from the revised November level and were down 10.7 percent (+/-1.1%) from the December 2007 level. The November preliminary estimate was revised downward $0.7 billion or 0.2 percent. December sales of durable goods were down 2.0 percent (+/-1.4%) from last month and were down 9.4 percent (+/-2.5%) from a year ago. Compared to last month, sales of lumber and other construction materials were down 8.6 percent and sales of motor vehicle and motor vehicle parts and supplies were down 8.1 percent. Sales of nondurable goods were down 4.9 percent (+/-0.7%) from last month and were down 11.8 percent (+/-1.9%) from last year. Sales of petroleum and petroleum products were down 16.4 percent from last month and sales of farm product raw materials were down 9.4 percent.

Total inventories of merchant wholesalers, except manufacturers’ sales branches and offices, after adjustment for seasonal variations but not for price changes, were $427.5 billion at the end of December, down 1.4 percent (+/-0.4%) from the revised November level, but were up 3.4 percent (+/-1.2%) from a year ago. The November preliminary estimate was revised downward $1.3 billion or 0.3 percent. End-of-month inventories of durable goods were down 1.4 percent (+/-0.4%) from last month, but were up 6.8 percent (+/-1.9%) from last December. Inventories of computer and computer peripheral equipment and software were down 6.7 percent from last month and inventories of metals and minerals, except petroleum, were down 6.6 percent. End-of-month inventories of nondurable goods decreased 1.5 percent (+/-0.7%) from November and were down 2.0 percent (+/-3.3%)* compared to last December. Inventories of petroleum and petroleum products were down 8.8 percent from last month and inventories of chemicals and allied products were down 1.9 percent.

The December inventories/sales ratio for merchant wholesalers, except manufacturers’ sales branches and offices, based on seasonally adjusted data, was 1.27. The December 2007 ratio was 1.10.

Sales. The U.S. Census Bureau announced today that November 2008 sales of merchant wholesalers, except manufacturers’ sales branches and offices, after adjustment for seasonal variations and trading-day differences but not for price changes, were $349.2 billion, down 7.1 percent (+/-0.4%) from the revised October level and were down 7.6 percent (+/-1.2%) from the November 2007 level. The October preliminary estimate was revised downward $1.3 billion or 0.4 percent. November sales of durable goods were down 6.1 percent (+/-0.7%) from last month and were down 9.4 percent (+/-2.1%) from a year ago. Compared to last month, sales of motor vehicle and motor vehicle parts and supplies were down 10.6 percent and sales of electrical and electronic goods were down 8.8 percent. Sales of nondurable goods were down 7.9 percent (+/-0.9%) from last month and were down 6.1 percent (+/-1.8%) from last year. Sales of petroleum and petroleum products were down 25.1 percent from last month and sales of chemicals and allied products were down 5.0 percent.

Inventories. Total inventories of merchant wholesalers, except manufacturers’ sales branches and offices, after adjustment for seasonal variations but not for price changes, were $435.0 billion at the end of November, down 0.6 percent (+/-0.4%) from the revised October level, but were up 6.3 percent (+/-1.4%) from a year ago. The October preliminary estimate was revised downward $0.5 billion or 0.1 percent. End-of-month inventories of durable goods were down 0.1 percent (+/-0.4%)* from last month, but were up 9.2 percent (+/-1.8%) from last November. Inventories of lumber and other construction materials were down 2.3 percent from last month, while inventories of motor vehicle and motor vehicle parts and supplies were up 1.2 percent. End-of-month inventories of nondurable goods decreased 1.5 percent (+/-0.4%) from October, but increased 1.6 percent (+/-3.7%)* compared to last November. Inventories of petroleum and petroleum products were down 6.2 percent from last month and inventories of chemicals and allied products were down 4.4 percent.

Inventories/Sales Ratio. The November inventories/sales ratio for merchant wholesalers, except manufacturers’ sales branches and offices, based on seasonally adjusted data, was 1.25. The November 2007 ratio was 1.08.

Sales. The U.S. Census Bureau announced today that October 2008 sales of merchant wholesalers, except manufacturers’ sales branches and offices, after adjustment for seasonal variations and trading-day differences but not for price changes, were $377.4 billion, down 4.1 percent (+/-0.7%) from the revised September level, but up 2.7 percent (+/-1.4%) from the October 2007 level. The September preliminary estimate was revised downward $2.4 billion or 0.6 percent. October sales of durable goods were down 4.2 percent (+/-1.1%) from last month and were down 1.6 percent (+/-1.9%)* from a year ago. Sales of metals and minerals, except petroleum were down 5.2 percent from last month and sales of motor vehicle and motor vehicle parts and supplies were down 4.5 percent. Sales of nondurable goods were down 4.1 percent (+/-1.1%) from last month, but were up 6.5 percent (+/-2.3%) from last year. Sales of petroleum and petroleum products were down 11.2 percent from last month and sales of farm product raw materials were down 6.1 percent.

Inventories. Total inventories of merchant wholesalers, except manufacturers’ sales branches and offices, after adjustment for seasonal variations but not for price changes, were $438.2 billion at the end of October, down 1.1 percent (+/-0.5%) from the revised September level, but were up 8.0 percent (+/-1.4%) from a year ago. The September preliminary estimate was revised downward $1.3 billion or 0.3 percent. End-of-month inventories of durable goods were down 0.2 percent (+/-0.5%) from last month, but were up 10.0 percent (+/-1.8%) from last October. End-of-month inventories of nondurable goods decreased 2.6 percent (+/-0.7%) from September, but were up 4.8 percent (+/-3.9%) compared to last October. Inventories of petroleum and petroleum products were down 18.2 percent from last month and inventories of farm product raw materials were down 8.5 percent.

Inventories/Sales Ratio. The October inventories/sales ratio for merchant wholesalers, except manufacturers’ sales branches and offices, based on seasonally adjusted data, was 1.16. The October 2007 ratio was 1.10.

Sales. The U.S. Census Bureau announced today that September 2008 sales of merchant wholesalers, except manufacturers’ sales branches and offices, after adjustment for seasonal variations and trading-day differences but not for price changes, were $396.2 billion, down 1.5 percent (+/-0.5%) from the revised August level, but up 9.1 percent (+/-1.2%) from the September 2007 level. The August preliminary estimate was revised downward $2.5 billion or 0.6 percent.

Inventories. Total inventories of merchant wholesalers, except manufacturers’ sales branches and offices, after adjustment for seasonal variations but not for price changes, were $444.2 billion at the end of September, down 0.1 percent (+/-0.3%) from the revised August level, but were up 9.7 percent (+/-1.2%) from a year ago. The August preliminary estimate was revised downward $0.8 billion or 0.2 percent.

Inventories/Sales Ratio. The September inventories/sales ratio for merchant wholesalers, except manufacturers’ sales branches and offices, based on seasonally adjusted data, was 1.12. The September 2007 ratio was 1.12 .

Sales
The U.S. Census Bureau announced today that August 2008 sales of merchant wholesalers, except manufacturers’ sales branches and offices, after adjustment for seasonal variations and trading-day differences but not for price changes, were $404.9 billion, down 1.0 percent (+/-0.5%) from the revised July level, but up 13.4 percent (+/-1.0%) from the August 2007 level. The July preliminary estimate was revised downward $1.7 billion or 0.4 percent.

Inventories
Total inventories of merchant wholesalers, except manufacturers’ sales branches and offices, after adjustment for seasonal variations but not for price changes, were $445.4 billion at the end of August, up 0.8 percent (+/-0.3%) from the revised July level and were up 11.1 percent (+/-1.2%) from a year ago. The July preliminary estimate was revised upward $0.6 billion or 0.1 percent.

Inventories/Sales Ratio
The August inventories/sales ratio for merchant wholesalers, except manufacturers’ sales branches and offices, based on seasonally adjusted data, was 1.10. The August 2007 ratio was 1.12.

Sales. The U.S. Census Bureau announced today that June 2008 sales of merchant wholesalers, except manufacturers’ sales branches and offices,after adjustment for seasonal variations and trading-day differences but not for price changes, were $411.2 billion, up 2.8 percent (+/-0.5%) from the revised May level and were up 17.0 percent (+/-1.0%) from the June 2007 level.

Inventories. Total inventories of merchant wholesalers, except manufacturers’ sales branches and offices, after adjustment for seasonal variations but not for price changes, were $435.9 billion at the end of June, up 1.1 percent (+/-0.3%) from the revised May level and were up 9.5 percent (+/-1.2%) from a year ago.

Inventories/Sales Ratio. The June inventories/sales ratio for merchant wholesalers, except manufacturers’ sales branches and offices, based on seasonally adjusted data, was 1.06. The June 2007 ratio was 1.13.