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%.

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%.

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.