In February 2025, U.S. wholesale inventories saw a modest increase of 0.3% from the previous month, reaching $902.3 billion. This rise follows a more substantial 0.8% increase recorded in January, as per the final estimates. The growth in durable goods inventories slowed to 0.2%, down from January's 0.8%, primarily due to reduced growth rates in sectors such as professional equipment, which rose by 1.2% compared to the previous 3.1%, and computer equipment, which increased by 2.7% following a significant 6.9% rise in January. Notable decreases were observed in machinery (down 0.5% following a 0.5% increase), electrical equipment (down 0.4% following a 1.3% increase), and metals (down 0.1% following a 1.5% increase).
Similarly, inventories of nondurable goods experienced a 0.5% uptick, reflecting a deceleration from the previous month's 0.8%. Within this category, drugs saw a reduced increase of 0.3% compared to 0.9%, groceries rose by 1.0% following a 1.3% growth, and the growth in farm products slowed significantly to 0.1% from 3.4%. Additionally, apparel inventories contracted by 0.3% after a 0.6% rise in January. On a year-over-year basis, wholesale inventories expanded by 1.1%.
