Sales were up in four of seven subsectors, accounting for 66% of total wholesale sales.

Increases in the food, beverage and tobacco and the machinery, equipment and supplies subsectors were almost completely offset by declines in the building material and supplies and the motor vehicle and parts subsectors.

In volume terms, wholesale sales increased 0.5%.

The food, beverage and tobacco subsector rose 3.1% to $12.3 billion in January, following a 1.8% decline in December. This was the largest monthly dollar increase since May 2016. Sales were up in two of three industries, led by the food industry (+3.6%).