Wholesale sales rose 0.5% to $62.8 billion in August, led by the personal and household goods and motor vehicle and parts subsectors.

Sales were up in four of the seven subsectors, together representing 47% of total wholesale sales.

In volume terms, wholesale sales rose 0.4%.

Sales in the personal and household goods subsector rose for the ninth consecutive month-posting the largest gain in dollar terms in August, rising 3.3% to a record $9.0 billion. Sales were up in four of the six industries, with the textile, clothing and footwear industry contributing the most to the gain.

Sales in the motor vehicle and parts subsector increased for the third time in four months, up 2.0% to $11.8 billion. The growth in the subsector was attributable to higher sales in the motor vehicle industry, which recorded its second consecutive monthly gain. There were higher imports of passenger cars and light trucks in August, and motor vehicle manufacturing sales increased.