GITNUXREPORT 2025

Wholesale Industry Statistics

Global wholesale industry worth $47 trillion; e-commerce and automation drive growth.

Jannik Linder

Co-Founder of Gitnux, specialized in content and tech since 2016.

First published: April 29, 2025

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Statistic 1

Approximately 60% of wholesale companies in Europe report an increase in online sales in 2023

Statistic 2

The average profit margin for wholesale distributors is around 4.5%

Statistic 3

Inventory turnover rates in wholesale distribution averaged 8 times per year in 2023

Statistic 4

The top 10 wholesale distribution companies in North America reported combined revenues exceeding $150 billion in 2023

Statistic 5

Small to mid-sized wholesale firms constitute about 70% of the industry in the US

Statistic 6

Over 80% of wholesale companies report challenges in finding skilled labor

Statistic 7

In 2023, environmental sustainability initiatives are adopted by approximately 40% of wholesale companies

Statistic 8

Data security concerns have increased by 35% among wholesale companies in the last three years

Statistic 9

The average gross profit margin in the wholesale apparel sector is about 20%

Statistic 10

Approximately 70% of wholesale distributors have integrated real-time inventory tracking systems, resource optimization

Statistic 11

The development of multi-channel distribution strategies has increased wholesale sales by 10% in the last year

Statistic 12

Approximately 50% of wholesale companies are planning to expand their product lines in the next year

Statistic 13

The average lifespan of a wholesale distribution company is about 8 years, indicating industry volatility

Statistic 14

Increased automation has reduced order processing times by approximately 20% in wholesale firms

Statistic 15

65% of wholesale companies see digital transformation as a critical pathway for future growth

Statistic 16

As of 2023, 45% of wholesale companies report using data analytics to forecast demand and manage inventory more effectively

Statistic 17

The average delivery time for wholesale orders CRM systems is under 24 hours in most developed markets

Statistic 18

Supply chain disruptions caused an average increase of 15% in wholesale costs in 2022

Statistic 19

The number of wholesale warehouses in the US has decreased by 10% over the last five years due to automation

Statistic 20

The share of wholesale goods sold via online marketplaces increased by 30% in 2023

Statistic 21

Logistics costs as a percentage of total wholesale revenue decreased by 2% between 2020 and 2023 due to optimization efforts

Statistic 22

The global wholesale industry is valued at approximately $47 trillion as of 2023

Statistic 23

The wholesale sector in the US generated over $6 trillion in revenue in 2022

Statistic 24

The top five wholesale distributors in the US hold around 25% of the market share

Statistic 25

The wholesale industry employs over 10 million people in the United States alone

Statistic 26

E-commerce sales in the wholesale industry grew by 22% in 2023

Statistic 27

About 45% of wholesale transactions worldwide are now conducted online

Statistic 28

The pharmaceutical wholesale industry is expected to reach $950 billion by 2025

Statistic 29

Approximately 30% of wholesale companies plan to invest in automation technologies by 2025

Statistic 30

The wholesale industry in Africa is expanding at a CAGR of 6%, with retail wholesale being the largest subsector

Statistic 31

The adoption of AI in wholesale logistics is projected to increase by 25% annually through 2025

Statistic 32

The median age of wholesale business owners is 52 years old in the US, indicating an aging workforce

Statistic 33

The food and beverage wholesale segment accounts for nearly 20% of the entire wholesale market

Statistic 34

Wholesale distribution of electronics is projected to grow at a CAGR of 8% through 2024

Statistic 35

The majority of wholesale businesses (around 65%) prioritize expanding their e-commerce platforms next year

Statistic 36

The US wholesale pharmaceutical distribution market has seen a growth of 5% annually since 2020

Statistic 37

Nearly 55% of wholesale companies use cloud-based ERP systems to manage operations

Statistic 38

The logistics segment of wholesale is expected to account for 30% of total wholesale industry profits by 2024

Statistic 39

The wholesale industry in Germany alone is valued at €430 billion as of 2023

Statistic 40

Electronics wholesalers report inventory shrinkage rates of around 1.2%, causing significant losses annually

Statistic 41

The average order size in wholesale distribution is approximately $10,000, with larger orders accounting for the majority of revenue

Statistic 42

Approximately 25% of wholesale transactions are now conducted via mobile devices

Statistic 43

The use of blockchain technology in wholesale supply chains is expected to grow at a CAGR of 18% through 2026

Statistic 44

Less than 15% of wholesale companies utilize AI-based demand forecasting tools, indicating significant growth potential

Statistic 45

The number of wholesale businesses in India increased by 12% in 2022, reaching over 1.2 million enterprises

Statistic 46

Wholesale trade accounts for roughly 8% of global GDP, highlighting its economic significance

Statistic 47

The automotive wholesale sector has experienced a CAGR of 6% over the past three years, projected to continue growth

Statistic 48

US exports of wholesale goods totaled over $4 trillion in 2022, making the country one of the top exporters globally

Statistic 49

The wholesale industry faces a labor shortage of approximately 12% annually, hindering growth

Statistic 50

The demand for logistic technological advancements, such as AI and IoT, in wholesale distribution is expected to grow at a CAGR of 15% through 2025

Statistic 51

Millennials and Gen Z make up approximately 40% of wholesale buyers, demonstrating generational shifts in purchasing

Statistic 52

The wholesale industry in Brazil is projected to grow by 5.5% annually through 2024, driven by increased domestic demand

Statistic 53

The global wholesale e-commerce platform market is expected to reach $1.35 trillion by 2026, growing at a CAGR of 11%

Statistic 54

North America accounts for roughly 35% of the global wholesale market

Statistic 55

The Asia-Pacific wholesale market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 7% through 2025

Statistic 56

The average size of wholesale warehouses in developed regions is about 150,000 square feet

Statistic 57

The average annual growth rate of wholesale trade in Latin America is around 4.5%

Statistic 58

In North America, wholesale trade digital ad spend reached $1.2 billion in 2023, reflecting increased focus on digital marketing

Statistic 59

The total number of wholesale trade companies globally exceeds 150,000, with Asia hosting the largest share

Statistic 60

The top five countries in wholesale exports are China, Germany, the US, the Netherlands, and Japan, together accounting for over 60% of global trade

Statistic 61

Energy costs comprise approximately 12% of wholesale distribution expenses globally

Statistic 62

Wholesalers investing in green logistics report a 15% reduction in transportation costs

Statistic 63

Environmental regulations have led to a 12% increase in sustainable packaging in wholesale operations globally

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Key Highlights

The global wholesale industry is valued at approximately $47 trillion as of 2023
North America accounts for roughly 35% of the global wholesale market
The wholesale sector in the US generated over $6 trillion in revenue in 2022
Approximately 60% of wholesale companies in Europe report an increase in online sales in 2023
The top five wholesale distributors in the US hold around 25% of the market share
The wholesale industry employs over 10 million people in the United States alone
E-commerce sales in the wholesale industry grew by 22% in 2023
About 45% of wholesale transactions worldwide are now conducted online
The Asia-Pacific wholesale market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 7% through 2025
Energy costs comprise approximately 12% of wholesale distribution expenses globally
The average profit margin for wholesale distributors is around 4.5%
The pharmaceutical wholesale industry is expected to reach $950 billion by 2025
Inventory turnover rates in wholesale distribution averaged 8 times per year in 2023

The wholesale industry, a $47 trillion global powerhouse powering economies and reshaping retail through digital transformation, automation, and evolving consumer demands, is experiencing unprecedented growth and innovation across every continent.

Company Performance and Contributions

Approximately 60% of wholesale companies in Europe report an increase in online sales in 2023
The average profit margin for wholesale distributors is around 4.5%
Inventory turnover rates in wholesale distribution averaged 8 times per year in 2023
The top 10 wholesale distribution companies in North America reported combined revenues exceeding $150 billion in 2023
Small to mid-sized wholesale firms constitute about 70% of the industry in the US
Over 80% of wholesale companies report challenges in finding skilled labor
In 2023, environmental sustainability initiatives are adopted by approximately 40% of wholesale companies
Data security concerns have increased by 35% among wholesale companies in the last three years
The average gross profit margin in the wholesale apparel sector is about 20%
Approximately 70% of wholesale distributors have integrated real-time inventory tracking systems, resource optimization
The development of multi-channel distribution strategies has increased wholesale sales by 10% in the last year
Approximately 50% of wholesale companies are planning to expand their product lines in the next year
The average lifespan of a wholesale distribution company is about 8 years, indicating industry volatility
Increased automation has reduced order processing times by approximately 20% in wholesale firms
65% of wholesale companies see digital transformation as a critical pathway for future growth
As of 2023, 45% of wholesale companies report using data analytics to forecast demand and manage inventory more effectively

Company Performance and Contributions Interpretation

Despite a modest 4.5% profit margin, wholesale companies in Europe and North America are capitalizing on digital transformation, inventory automation, and expanding product lines—highlighting that in an industry with an average lifespan of just eight years, innovation and resilience are now indispensable, even as labor shortages and cybersecurity concerns threaten to curtail their growth.

Logistics and E-Commerce Developments

The average delivery time for wholesale orders CRM systems is under 24 hours in most developed markets
Supply chain disruptions caused an average increase of 15% in wholesale costs in 2022
The number of wholesale warehouses in the US has decreased by 10% over the last five years due to automation
The share of wholesale goods sold via online marketplaces increased by 30% in 2023
Logistics costs as a percentage of total wholesale revenue decreased by 2% between 2020 and 2023 due to optimization efforts

Logistics and E-Commerce Developments Interpretation

While rapid CRM delivery times and a surge in online marketplace sales highlight the industry's tech-driven resilience, supply chain disruptions and warehouse consolidations underscore ongoing challenges that continue to shape wholesale costs and logistics efficiency.

Market Size and Valuation

The global wholesale industry is valued at approximately $47 trillion as of 2023
The wholesale sector in the US generated over $6 trillion in revenue in 2022
The top five wholesale distributors in the US hold around 25% of the market share
The wholesale industry employs over 10 million people in the United States alone
E-commerce sales in the wholesale industry grew by 22% in 2023
About 45% of wholesale transactions worldwide are now conducted online
The pharmaceutical wholesale industry is expected to reach $950 billion by 2025
Approximately 30% of wholesale companies plan to invest in automation technologies by 2025
The wholesale industry in Africa is expanding at a CAGR of 6%, with retail wholesale being the largest subsector
The adoption of AI in wholesale logistics is projected to increase by 25% annually through 2025
The median age of wholesale business owners is 52 years old in the US, indicating an aging workforce
The food and beverage wholesale segment accounts for nearly 20% of the entire wholesale market
Wholesale distribution of electronics is projected to grow at a CAGR of 8% through 2024
The majority of wholesale businesses (around 65%) prioritize expanding their e-commerce platforms next year
The US wholesale pharmaceutical distribution market has seen a growth of 5% annually since 2020
Nearly 55% of wholesale companies use cloud-based ERP systems to manage operations
The logistics segment of wholesale is expected to account for 30% of total wholesale industry profits by 2024
The wholesale industry in Germany alone is valued at €430 billion as of 2023
Electronics wholesalers report inventory shrinkage rates of around 1.2%, causing significant losses annually
The average order size in wholesale distribution is approximately $10,000, with larger orders accounting for the majority of revenue
Approximately 25% of wholesale transactions are now conducted via mobile devices
The use of blockchain technology in wholesale supply chains is expected to grow at a CAGR of 18% through 2026
Less than 15% of wholesale companies utilize AI-based demand forecasting tools, indicating significant growth potential
The number of wholesale businesses in India increased by 12% in 2022, reaching over 1.2 million enterprises
Wholesale trade accounts for roughly 8% of global GDP, highlighting its economic significance
The automotive wholesale sector has experienced a CAGR of 6% over the past three years, projected to continue growth
US exports of wholesale goods totaled over $4 trillion in 2022, making the country one of the top exporters globally
The wholesale industry faces a labor shortage of approximately 12% annually, hindering growth
The demand for logistic technological advancements, such as AI and IoT, in wholesale distribution is expected to grow at a CAGR of 15% through 2025
Millennials and Gen Z make up approximately 40% of wholesale buyers, demonstrating generational shifts in purchasing
The wholesale industry in Brazil is projected to grow by 5.5% annually through 2024, driven by increased domestic demand
The global wholesale e-commerce platform market is expected to reach $1.35 trillion by 2026, growing at a CAGR of 11%

Market Size and Valuation Interpretation

With a staggering $47 trillion valuation in 2023 and rapid e-commerce growth of 22% in 2023, the wholesale industry is not only a cornerstone of global economies—accounting for 8% of GDP—but also a digital battlefield, where 45% of transactions go online, automation and AI are transforming logistics, and a surging millennial and Gen Z buyer base signals that even a mature industry must keep evolving to avoid inventory shrinkage and labor shortages significantly impacting its future.

Regional Market Insights

North America accounts for roughly 35% of the global wholesale market
The Asia-Pacific wholesale market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 7% through 2025
The average size of wholesale warehouses in developed regions is about 150,000 square feet
The average annual growth rate of wholesale trade in Latin America is around 4.5%
In North America, wholesale trade digital ad spend reached $1.2 billion in 2023, reflecting increased focus on digital marketing
The total number of wholesale trade companies globally exceeds 150,000, with Asia hosting the largest share
The top five countries in wholesale exports are China, Germany, the US, the Netherlands, and Japan, together accounting for over 60% of global trade

Regional Market Insights Interpretation

As the global wholesale landscape shifts—with North America commanding a substantial market share, Asia-Pacific poised for robust growth, and digital ad spend soaring in North America—the industry's expansive scale and increasing digitalization underscore a dynamic, competitive arena where giant exporters like China and Germany continue to dominate, yet emerging regional players are swiftly transforming the wholesale map.

Regulatory and Environmental Impact

Energy costs comprise approximately 12% of wholesale distribution expenses globally
Wholesalers investing in green logistics report a 15% reduction in transportation costs
Environmental regulations have led to a 12% increase in sustainable packaging in wholesale operations globally

Regulatory and Environmental Impact Interpretation

As wholesale players grapple with soaring energy costs, green logistics and sustainable packaging not only bolster their eco-credentials but also deliver a significant 15% and 12% cost advantage, proving that going green is both responsible and profitable.