Wholesale sales increased 1.5% to $63.0 billion in October, more than offsetting the 1.1% decline in September. Gains were reported in six of seven subsectors, together representing 81% of total wholesale sales. The machinery, equipment and supplies and the personal and household goods subsectors contributed the most to the increase.

In volume terms, wholesale sales were up 1.2%.

In dollar terms, the machinery, equipment and supplies subsector reported the largest increase in October, as sales rose 5.2% to $12.7 billion. Sales were up in all four industries, led by the farm, lawn and garden machinery and equipment industry (+19.0%) following a 9.7% decline in September.