Business inventories in the US rose by 0.3% month-over-month in May 2026, following an upwardly revised 0.6% advance in April, matching market estimates. Stocks increased at a slower pace for merchant wholesalers (0.1% vs 0.7% in April); manufacturers (0.2% vs 0.3%) and retailers (0.6% vs 0.7%). Year-on-year, business inventories increased by 3.1%. source: U.S. Census Bureau

Business Inventories in the United States increased 0.30 percent in May of 2026 over the previous month. Business Inventories in the United States averaged 0.29 percent from 1992 until 2026, reaching an all time high of 2.50 percent in December of 2021 and a record low of -2.40 percent in May of 2020. This page provides - United States Business Inventories - actual values, historical data, forecast, chart, statistics, economic calendar and news. United States Business Inventories - data, historical chart, forecasts and calendar of releases - was last updated on August of 2026.

Business Inventories in the United States increased 0.30 percent in May of 2026 over the previous month. Business Inventories in the United States is expected to be 0.20 percent by the end of this quarter, according to Trading Economics global macro models and analysts expectations. In the long-term, the United States Business Inventories is projected to trend around 0.80 percent in 2027 and 0.50 percent in 2028, according to our econometric models.



Calendar GMT Reference Actual Previous Consensus TEForecast
2026-06-17 02:00 PM
Business Inventories MoM
Apr 0.5% 1% 0.5% 0.4%
2026-07-16 02:00 PM
Business Inventories MoM
May 0.3% 0.6% 0.3% 0.1%
2026-08-14 02:00 PM
Business Inventories MoM
Jun 0.3% -0.2%


Related Last Previous Unit Reference
Business Inventories MoM 0.30 0.60 percent May 2026
Durable Goods Orders MoM 0.30 -4.00 percent Jun 2026
Durable Goods Orders ex Defense MoM 0.30 -4.30 percent Jun 2026
Durable Goods Orders Ex Transp MoM 0.60 1.80 percent Jun 2026
Factory Orders MoM -1.30 5.30 percent May 2026
Factory Orders ex Transportation 1.90 1.70 percent May 2026
New Orders 657373.00 665895.00 USD Million May 2026
Non Defense Goods Orders Ex Air 0.90 1.90 percent Jun 2026
Retail Inventories Ex Autos MoM -0.20 0.20 percent Jun 2026
Wholesale Inventories MoM 0.30 0.30 percent Jun 2026


United States Business Inventories
Business Inventories in the United States measure the monthly percentage changes in inventories from manufacturers, retailers, and wholesalers. Inventories are a key component of gross domestic product.
Actual Previous Highest Lowest Dates Unit Frequency
0.30 0.60 2.50 -2.40 1992 - 2026 percent Monthly
Current Prices, SA

News Stream
US Business Inventory Growth Softens in May
Business inventories in the US rose by 0.3% month-over-month in May 2026, following an upwardly revised 0.6% advance in April, matching market estimates. Stocks increased at a slower pace for merchant wholesalers (0.1% vs 0.7% in April); manufacturers (0.2% vs 0.3%) and retailers (0.6% vs 0.7%). Year-on-year, business inventories increased by 3.1%.
2026-07-16
US Business Inventories Rise 0.5% as Expected
Business inventories in the US increased 0.5% month-over-month in April 2026, following an upwardly revised 1% rise in March which was the biggest gain since June 2022 and in line with market expectations. A slowdown was seen in inventories at manufacturers (0.3% vs 0.7%), retailers (0.7% vs 0.8%) and merchant wholesalers (0.6% vs 1.5%). Year-on-year, business inventories increased 2.7%.
2026-06-17
US Business Inventories Rise the Most in Nearly 4 Years
US business inventories rose by 0.9% month-over-month in March 2026, following a 0.4% increase in February and slightly above market expectations of a 0.8% advance. This marked the strongest increase in stocks since June 2022, mainly on account of merchant wholesalers (1.3% vs 0.9% in February). Inventories also went up for manufacturers (0.6% vs 0.1%) and retailers (0.6 vs 0%). On a yearly basis, business inventories grew by 2% in March.
2026-05-14