Sales were up in six of the seven subsectors, representing 80% of total wholesale sales. The miscellaneous subsector and the motor vehicle and parts subsector contributed the most to the advance.

In volume terms, wholesale sales increased 0.8% from April to May.

The miscellaneous subsector reported the largest gain in dollar terms, up 2.6% to $8.0 billion in May following a 2.2% decline in April. Sales were up in four of the five industries, led by the agricultural supplies industry (+7.5%) following a 1.2% decline in April. The chemical (except agricultural) and allied product industry increased for the sixth time in seven months, up 8.4% in May.

Sales in the motor vehicle and parts subsector rose 1.4% to $11.6 billion following three consecutive monthly declines. The motor vehicle industry posted the lone increase (+1.9%) among the three industries.