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. source: U.S. Census Bureau

Business Inventories in the United States increased 0.90 percent in March 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 May of 2026.

Business Inventories in the United States increased 0.90 percent in March 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
2026-04-21 02:00 PM
Business Inventories MoM
Feb 0.4% 0% 0.3% 0.1%
2026-05-14 02:00 PM
Business Inventories MoM
Mar 0.9% 0.4% 0.8% 0.7%
2026-06-17 02:00 PM
Business Inventories MoM
Apr 0.9% 0.4%


Related Last Previous Unit Reference
Business Inventories MoM 0.90 0.40 percent Mar 2026
Durable Goods Orders MoM 0.80 -1.20 percent Mar 2026
Durable Goods Orders ex Defense MoM -0.30 -1.20 percent Mar 2026
Durable Goods Orders Ex Transp MoM 0.90 1.20 percent Mar 2026
Factory Orders MoM 1.50 0.30 percent Mar 2026
Factory Orders ex Transportation 1.60 1.60 percent Mar 2026
New Orders 630448.00 619304.00 USD Million Mar 2026
Non Defense Goods Orders Ex Air 3.40 1.60 percent Mar 2026
Retail Inventories Ex Autos MoM 0.40 0.30 percent Mar 2026
Wholesale Inventories MoM 1.30 0.90 percent Mar 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
0.90 0.40 2.50 -2.40 1992 - 2026 percent Monthly
Current Prices, SA

News Stream
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
US Business Inventory Growth Hits Over 1-Year High
US business inventories rose by 0.4% month-over-month in February 2026, after a revised flat reading in January, slightly above the market consensus of a 0.3% increase. This marked the strongest gain since January 2025, driven by a sharp rebound in inventories at merchant wholesale inventories (0.8% vs -0.3%). Stocks also increased for retailers (0.2% vs 0.3%) and manufacturers (0.1% vs 0.1%). On a yearly basis, total business inventories went up by 1.3% in February.
2026-04-21
US Business Inventories Unexpectedly Fall
US business inventories edged down by 0.1% month-over-month in January 2026, after a revised flat reading in December, defying analysts' forecasts of a 0.1% rise. Stocks declined at merchant wholesalers (-0.5% vs -0.1% in December), more than offsetting increases for retailers (0.3% vs 0.1%) and manufacturers (0.1% vs 0.1%). On a yearly basis, total business inventories advanced by 1%.
2026-04-01