US Business Inventories Grow in January

According to the latest report from the Census Bureau, business inventories in the United States experienced a 0.3% increase in January compared to December, reaching a total of $2,591.9 billion. This growth marks a 2.3% rise from January 2024, showcasing a steady economic expansion.

Trade Sales and Manufacturers' Shipments

In January, distributive trade sales and manufacturers’ shipments were valued at $1,896.5 billion. This figure represents a 0.8% decrease from the previous month but a 3.5% increase compared to the same period last year. The data reflects the dynamic nature of the US economy, with fluctuations in trade and manufacturing sectors.

Inventory/Sales Ratio

The total business inventories/sales ratio stood at 1.37 in January, slightly lower than the 1.38 ratio recorded a year ago. This ratio is a critical indicator of the balance between inventory levels and sales, providing insights into the efficiency of the supply chain and market demand.