Industrial Supplies Wholesaling in the US - Market Research Report (2014-2029)
New York, United States
Last Updated: April 2024
NAICS 42384Revenue
$109.2bn
Past 5-Year Growth
Profit
$X.Xbn
Employees
120k
Businesses
9,025
Wages
$X.Xbn
Industrial Supplies Wholesaling in the US industry analysis
Industrial supplies wholesalers sell a range of general-use supplies, including boxes and crates, packaging material, adhesives, abrasives, ropes, industrial hoses, valves and power transmission supplies. A range of customers, from auto mechanics to teams repairing and maintaining industrial facilities, use industrial supplies and turn to wholesalers to purchase these supplies. The downstream market also includes consumer beverage producers that purchase bottles and containers from the industry. In 2020, the nightmarish economic conditions during the pandemic hindered industry performance. The economic recovery in 2021 supercharged demand for industrial supplies, overcoming soaring interest rates that dissuaded investment. Industrial supplies wholesaling revenue will increase at a CAGR of 2.1% over the five years to 2023 to $109.2 billion. In 2023 alone, revenue will rise 6.1% as profit remains steady.
Trends and Insights
- A recovery in industrial production has buoyed wholesalers, following pandemic-related disruptions. Inclines in the industrial production index are not potent enough to offset the effect of penetration from low-cost substitutes.
- Wholesalers adapted to changing conditions to get the most out of valve production. In response to the pandemic, valve production intensified to fulfill high demand for parts used in ventilators and other medical device manufacturing.
- The Southeast is the most populous region in the US, and houses the greatest concentration of industrial supplies wholesalers. Wholesalers in the region also benefit from proximity to multiple important downstream markets like seafood canning in the Gulf of Mexico, bottling plants in Georgia, distilleries in Kentucky and Tennessee and mining throughout Appalachia.
- Industrial supplies wholesalers endure intense internal competition due to a highly saturated market. The necessity of being in close proximity to key downstream markets prevents wholesalers from being susceptible to competition from companies within another region.
Industry Overview
Market size and recent performance (2014-2029)
Industry revenue has grown at a CAGR of 2.1 % over the past five years, to reach an estimated $109.2bn in 2024.
Trends and Insights
The pandemic-related economic downturn significantly hindered industrial supplies wholesaling
- In 2020, the industrial production index plummeted as many companies were forced to limit operations. While this reduced demand for industrial supplies, the industry was supported by companies demanding supplies and equipment needed to manufacture ventilators and other medical equipment.
- Additional trends and insights available with purchase
Source: IBISWorld
Industry outlook (2024-2029)
Market size is projected to grow over the next five years.
Trends and Insights
Foreign competition wanes as the US dollar depreciates
- Industrial supplies wholesalers rely heavily on demand from downstream manufacturers, which constitute its primary market.
Biggest companies in the Industrial Supplies Wholesaling in the US
| Company | Market Share (%)
2023 | Revenue ($m)
2023 | Profit ($m)
2023 | Profit Margin (%)
2023 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Genuine Parts Co | 4,047.5 | 222.6 | 5.5 | |
W.W. Grainger, Inc. | 3,433.2 | 188.8 | 5.5 | |
Msc industrial direct co., inc. | 2,059.9 | 171.0 | 8.3 |
To view the market share and analysis for all 10 top companies in this industry, view purchase options.
Products & Services Segmentation
Source: IBISWorld
Industry revenue is measured across several distinct product and services lines, including Mechanical power transmission supplies, Industrial containers and Abrasives, strapping and tape. Mechanical power transmission supplies is the largest segment of the Industrial Supplies Wholesaling in the US.
Trends and Insights
Industrial diamonds grow in popularity
- Abrasives, which polish and clean hard surfaces by rubbing or grinding, include loose, bonded, coated and super abrasive tools for downstream manufacturing, aerospace, telecommunications, and construction.
- More insights available in the full report
Widen you competitive advantage with related industries
Competitors
- Online Industrial Supplies Sales in the US
Complementors
- Industrial Machinery & Equipment Wholesaling in the US
- Janitorial Equipment Supply Wholesaling in the US
International industries
- Industrial Machinery & Equipment Wholesaling in Canada
- Mining and Industrial Machinery Wholesaling in Australia
- Industrial and Mining Machinery Wholesaling in New Zealand
- Machine Tool Wholesaling in the UK
- Safety Equipment & Supplies Wholesaling in the UK
Table of Contents
About this industry
Industry definition
This industry wholesales general-use supplies for manufacturing and warehousing industries. Supplies include abrasives, barrels, boxes and crates, industrial containers, industrial diamonds, packaging material, printing ink, power transmission supplies, mechanical rubber goods, ropes, valves and welding supplies. The industry strictly distributes general-use industrial supplies; for example, it provides the automotive sector with valves but not with tires.
What's included in this industry?
Wholesaling industrial containersWholesaling welding suppliesWholesaling mechanical power transmission suppliesWholesaling abrasives, strappings and tapesWholesaling industrial valves and fittingsWholesaling iron and steel pipes and tubing Wholesaling general machinery, equipment and partsCompanies
Genuine Parts CoW.W. Grainger, Inc.Msc industrial direct co., inc.Purchase this report to view all 10 major companies in this industry.
Related Terms
ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT MANUFACTURER (OEM)ABRASIVESWHOLESALE BYPASSWELDINGINDUSTRIAL DIAMONDBEARINGSIndustry Code
NAICS 42384 - Industrial Supplies Wholesaling in the US
Performance
Get an indication of the industry's health through historical, current and forward-looking trends in the performance indicators that make or break businesses.
Analyst insights
A recovery in industrial production has buoyed wholesalers, following pandemic-related disruptions. Inclines in the industrial production index are not potent enough to offse...
In this chapter (4)
- Current Performance
- Outlook
- Volatility
- Life Cycle
Key metrics
- Annual Revenue, Recent Growth, Forecast, Revenue Volatility
- Number of Employees, Recent Growth, Forecast, Employees per Business, Revenue per Employee
- Number of Businesses, Recent Growth, Forecast, Employees per Business, Revenue per Business
- Total Profit, Profit Margin, Profit per Business
Charts
- Revenue, including historical (2014-2023) and forecast (2024-2029)
- Employees, including historical (2014-2023) and forecast (2024-2029)
- Businesses, including historical (2014-2023) and forecast (2024-2029)
- Profit, including historical (2014-2024)
- Industry Volatility vs. Revenue Growth
- Industry Life Cycle
Detailed analysis
- Trends in supply, demand and current events that are driving current industry performance
- Expected trends, economic factors and ongoing events that drive the industry's outlook
- Key success factors for businesses to overcome volatility
- How contribution to GDP, industry saturation, innovation, consolidation, and technology and systems influence the industry's life cycle phase.
Products and Markets
Learn about an industry's products and services, markets and trends in international trade.
Analyst insight
Wholesalers adapted to changing conditions to get the most out of valve production. In response to the pandemic, valve production intensified to fulfill high demand for parts...
In this chapter
- Products & Services
- Major Markets
Key metrics
- Largest market segment and value in 2024
- Product innovation level
Charts
- Products & services segmentation in 2024
- Major market segmentation in 2024
Detailed analysis
- Trends impacting the recent performance of the industry's various segments
- Innovations in the industry's product or service offering, specialization or delivery method
- Key factors that successful businesses consider in their offerings
- Buying segments and key trends influencing demand for industry products and services
Geographic Breakdown
Discover where business activity is most concentrated in an industry and the factors driving these trends to find opportunities and conduct regional benchmarking.
Analyst insights
The Southeast is the most populous region in the US, and houses the greatest concentration of industrial supplies wholesalers. Wholesalers in the region also benefit from pro...
In this chapter (1)
- Business Locations
Charts
- Share of revenue, establishment, wages and employment in each state
- Share of population compared to establishments in each region in 2024
Tables
- Number and share of establishments in each state in 2024
- Number and share of revenue each state accounts for in 2024
- Number and share of wages each state accounts for in 2024
- Number and share of employees in each state in 2024
Detailed analysis
- Geographic spread of the industry across North America, and trends associated with changes in the business landscape
- Key success factors for businesses to use location to their advantage
Competitive Forces
Get data and insights on what's driving competition in an industry and the challenges industry operators and new entrants may face, with analysis built around Porter's Five Forces framework.
Analyst insights
Industrial supplies wholesalers endure intense internal competition due to a highly saturated market. The necessity of being in close proximity to key downstream markets prev...
In this chapter (4)
- Concentration
- Barriers to Entry
- Substitutes
- Buyer & Supplier Analysis
Key metrics
- Industry concentration level
- Industry competition level and trend
- Barriers to entry level and trend
- Substitutes level and trend
- Buyer power level and trend
- Supplier power level and trend
Charts
- Market share concentration among the top 4 suppliers from 2019-2024
- Supply chain including upstream supplying industries and downstream buying industries, flow chart
Detailed analysis
- Factors impacting the industry’s level of concentration, such as business distribution, new entrants, or merger and acquisition activity.
- Key success factors for businesses to manage the competitive environment of the industry.
- Challenges that potential industry entrants face such as legal, start-up costs, differentiation, labor/capital intensity and capital expenses.
- Key success factors for potential entrants to overcome barriers to entry.
- Competitive threats from potential substitutes for the industry’s own products and services.
- Key success factors for how successful businesses can compete with substitutes.
- Advantages that buyers have to keep favorable purchasing conditions.
- Advantages that suppliers have to maintain favorable selling conditions.
- Key success factors for how businesses can navigate buyer and supplier power.
Companies
Learn about the performance of the top companies in the industry.
Analyst insights
Despite having the highest market share, Genuine Parts still faces significant competition from other wholesalers, including those that sell vehicle replacement parts for thos...
In this chapter
- Market Share Concentration
- Companies
- Company Spotlights
Charts
- Industry market share by company in 2020 through 2024
- Major companies in the industry, including market share, revenue, profit and profit margin in 2024
- Overview of Genuine Parts Co's performance by revenue, market share and profit margin from 2018 through 2024
- Overview of W.W. Grainger, Inc.'s performance by revenue, market share and profit margin from 2018 through 2024
- Overview of Msc industrial direct co., inc.'s performance by revenue, market share and profit margin from 2018 through 2024
- Overview of revenue, market share and profit margin trend for 7 additional companies
Detailed analysis
- Description and key data for Genuine Parts Co, and factors influencing its performance in the industry
- Description and key data for W.W. Grainger, Inc., and factors influencing its performance in the industry
- Description and key data for Msc industrial direct co., inc., and factors influencing its performance in the industry
- Description, key data and performance trends for 7 additional companies
External Environment
Understand the demographic, economic and regulatory factors that shape how businesses in an industry perform.
Analyst insights
Since 2021, consistent increases in the yield on the 10-year Treasury note has hurt industry revenue growth potential. High interest rates have dissuaded industry investment ...
In this chapter
- External Drivers
- Regulation & Policy
- Assistance
Key metrics
- Regulation & policy level and trend
- Assistance level and trend
Charts
- Regulation & Policy historical data and forecast (2014-2029)
- Assistance historical data and forecast (2014-2029)
Detailed analysis
- Demographic and macroeconomic factors influencing the industry, including Regulation & Policy and Assistance
- Major types of regulations, regulatory bodies, industry standards or specific regulations impacting requirements for industry operators
- Key governmental and non-governmental groups or policies that may provide some relief for industry operators.
Financial Benchmarks
View average costs for industry operators and compare financial data against an industry's financial benchmarks over time.
Analyst insights
Volatile swings in input prices like steel and fuel have resulted in added purchase costs for wholesalers. Since wholesalers compete locally based on price, input cost increa...
In this chapter
- Cost Structure
- Financial Ratios
- Key Ratios
Key metrics
- Profit margin, and how it compares to the sector-wide margin
- Average wages, and how it compares to the sector-wide average wage
- Largest cost component as a percentage of revenue
- Industry average ratios for days' receivables, industry coverage and debt-to-net-worth ratio
Charts
- Average industry operating costs as a share of revenue, including purchases, wages, depreciation, utilities, rent, other costs and profit in 2024
- Average sector operating costs as a share of revenue, including purchases, wages, depreciation, utilities, rent, other costs and profit in 2024
- Investment vs. share of economy
Data tables
- Industry Multiples (2017-2022)
- Industry Tax Structure (2017-2022)
- Income Statement (2017-2022)
- Balance Sheet (2017-2022)
- Liquidity Ratios (2017-2022)
- Coverage Ratios (2017-2022)
- Leverage Ratios (2017-2022)
- Operating Ratios (2017-2022)
- Cash Flow & Debt Service Ratios (2014-2029)
- Revenue per Employee (2014-2029)
- Revenue per Enterprise (2014-2029)
- Employees per Establishment (2014-2029)
- Employees per Enterprise (2014-2029)
- Average Wage (2014-2029)
- Wages/Revenue (2014-2029)
- Establishments per Enterprise (2014-2029)
- IVA/Revenue (2014-2029)
- Imports/Demand (2014-2029)
- Exports/Revenue (2014-2029)
Detailed analysis
- Trends in the cost component for industry operators and their impact on industry costs and profitability
Key Statistics
Industry Data
Data Tables
Including values and annual change:
- Revenue (2014-2029)
- IVA (2014-2029)
- Establishments (2014-2029)
- Enterprises (2014-2029)
- Employment (2014-2029)
- Exports (2014-2029)
- Imports (2014-2029)
- Wages (2014-2029)
Methodology
How are IBISWorld reports created?
IBISWorld has been a leading provider of trusted industry research for over 50 years to the most successful companies worldwide. With offices in Australia, the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany and China, we are proud to have local teams of analysts that conduct research, data analysis and forecasting to produce data-driven industry reports.
Our analysts start with official, verified and publicly available sources of data to build the most accurate picture of each industry. Analysts then leverage their expertise and knowledge of the local markets to synthesize trends into digestible content for IBISWorld readers. Finally, each report is reviewed by one of IBISWorld’s editors, who provide quality assurance to ensure accuracy and readability.
IBISWorld relies on human-verified data and human-written analysis to compile each standard industry report. We do not use generative AI tools to write insights, although members can choose to leverage AI-based tools within the platform to generate additional analysis formats.
What data sources do IBISWorld analysts use?
Each industry report incorporates data and research from government databases, industry-specific sources, industry contacts, and our own proprietary database of statistics and analysis to provide balanced, independent and accurate insights.
Key data sources in the US include:
- US Census Bureau
- US Bureau of Labor Statistics
- US International Trade Commission
Analysts also use industry specific sources to complement catch-all sources, although their perspective may focus on a particular organization or representative body, rather than a clear overview of all industry operations. However, when balanced against other perspectives, industry-specific sources provide insights into industry trends.
These sources include:
- Industry and trade associations
- Industry federations or regulators
- Major industry players annual or quarterly filings
Finally, IBISWorld’s global data scientists maintain a proprietary database of macroeconomic and demand drivers, which our analysts use to help inform industry data and trends. They also maintain a database of statistics and analysis on thousands of industries, which has been built over our more than 50-year history and offers comprehensive insights into long-term trends.
How does IBISWorld forecast its data?
IBISWorld’s analysts and data scientists use the sources above to create forecasts for our proprietary datasets and industry statistics. Depending on the dataset, they may use regression analysis, multivariate analysis, time-series analysis or exponential smoothing techniques to project future data for the industry or driver. Additionally, analysts will leverage their local knowledge of industry operating and regulatory conditions to impart their best judgment on the forecast model.
IBISWorld prides itself on being a trusted, independent source of data, with over 50 years of experience building and maintaining rich datasets and forecasting tools. We are proud to be the keystone source of industry information for thousands of companies across the world.
Learn more about our methodology and data sourcing on the Help Center.
Frequently Asked Questions
Unlock comprehensive answers and precise data upon purchase. View purchase options.
What is the market size of the Industrial Supplies Wholesaling in the US industry in United States in 2024?
The market size of the Industrial Supplies Wholesaling in the US industry in United States is $109.2bn in 2024.
How many businesses are there in the Industrial Supplies Wholesaling in the US industry in 2024?
There are 9,025 businesses in the Industrial Supplies Wholesaling in the US industry in United States, which has grown at a CAGR of 0.9 % between 2019 and 2024.
Has the Industrial Supplies Wholesaling in the US industry in United States grown or declined over the past 5 years?
The market size of the Industrial Supplies Wholesaling in the US industry in United States has been growing at a CAGR of 2.1 % between 2019 and 2024.
What is the forecast growth of the Industrial Supplies Wholesaling in the US industry in United States over the next 5 years?
Over the next five years, the Industrial Supplies Wholesaling in the US industry in United States is expected to grow.
What are the biggest companies in the Industrial Supplies Wholesaling in the US market in United States?
The biggest companies operating in the Industrial Supplies Wholesaling market in United States are Genuine Parts Co, W.W. Grainger, Inc. and Msc industrial direct co., inc.
What does the Industrial Supplies Wholesaling in the US in United States include?
Wholesaling industrial containers and Wholesaling welding supplies are part of the Industrial Supplies Wholesaling in the US industry.
Which companies have the highest market share in the Industrial Supplies Wholesaling in the US in United States?
The company holding the most market share in United States is Genuine Parts Co.
How competitive is the Industrial Supplies Wholesaling in the US industry in United States?
The level of competition is moderate and increasing in the Industrial Supplies Wholesaling in the US industry in United States.
