Number of Wholesale Trade Agents and Brokers Businesses in the US (2000–2023)
As of 2023
28,451
wholesale trade agents and brokers businesses in the United States
Number of Firms Over Time
Total Employment Over Time
Key Insights
- •The wholesale trade agents and brokers industry has declined 15.2% since 2000 (from 33,544 to 28,451 firms).
- •The peak year was 2008 with 41,143 firms.
- •Recent trend (last 5 years): the industry is shrinking (-6.0%).
- •Employment: 256,187 workers in 2023 (-13.6% change since 2000).
- •Estimated 5-year survival rate: 56%.
Year-by-Year Data
| Year | Firms | Establishments | Employment | Entry Rate | Exit Rate | Net Growth |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 28,451 | 30,524 | 256,187 | 10.2% | 10.8% | +3.5% |
| 2022 | 28,675 | 30,745 | 249,299 | 11.4% | 11.7% | +3.7% |
| 2021 | 28,582 | 30,841 | 239,861 | 11.6% | 11.5% | -9.8% |
| 2020 | 28,887 | 31,055 | 265,040 | 9.7% | 12.4% | -1.7% |
| 2019 | 30,260 | 32,451 | 272,029 | 9.7% | 12.6% | -4.1% |
| 2018 | 31,389 | 33,583 | 283,803 | 10.3% | 11.1% | -1.3% |
| 2017 | 29,855 | 31,999 | 280,144 | 10.7% | 13.0% | +2.5% |
| 2016 | 33,865 | 36,242 | 292,457 | 9.9% | 11.4% | +0.9% |
| 2015 | 34,511 | 36,907 | 292,138 | 10.7% | 11.1% | +3.1% |
| 2014 | 34,854 | 37,204 | 287,084 | 10.9% | 12.9% | +1.2% |
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Business Dynamics Statistics (BDS). Entry/exit rates refer to establishment openings and closings.