Wholesale sales increased 1.0% to $61.0 billion in April, a seventh consecutive monthly advance. Gains were recorded in three of seven subsectors, accounting for 41% of total wholesale sales, and were led by the machinery, equipment and supplies subsector.

In volume terms, wholesale sales increased 0.7% from March to April.

The machinery, equipment and supplies subsector recorded the largest gain in dollar terms in April, up 7.3% to $12.4 billion. Higher sales were recorded in three of four industries, with the farm, lawn and garden machinery and equipment, and the other machinery, equipment and supplies industries contributing the most to the gain after both posted declines in March.

Sales in the food, beverage and tobacco subsector rose 1.5% to $11.8 billion, a third consecutive monthly gain. Higher sales in the food industry (+1.4%) contributed the most to the gain.