Wholesale Trade Agents and Brokers — Business Survival Rate
An estimated 56% of wholesale trade agents and brokers businesses survive their first 5 years, based on U.S. Census Bureau Business Dynamics Statistics. The annual business closure rate is 10.8%.
Is Wholesale Trade Agents and Brokers a Good Business to Start?
With a 56% five-year survival rate, wholesale trade agents and brokers is near the national average (~50%). This means roughly half of new entrants will still be operating after 5 years — typical business risk that rewards solid planning and execution.
The annual exit rate of 10.8% indicates moderate turnover. Success depends on differentiation, location, and operational efficiency rather than inherent industry advantages.
Entry vs. Exit Rates
Annual rate of new businesses opening versus existing businesses closing.
Net negative: more businesses closing than opening (-0.6 pp spread).
Job Creation & Destruction
The industry is adding jobs faster than losing them — a positive sign for both workers and new business owners looking to hire. Total employment: 256,187 workers across 28,451 firms.
Want to know how much wholesale trade agents and brokers businesses actually make?
See full revenue benchmarks for Wholesale Trade Agents and Brokers →Frequently Asked Questions
- What percentage of wholesale trade agents and brokers businesses fail?
- Approximately 44% of wholesale trade agents and brokers businesses fail within their first 5 years. The annual closure rate is 10.8%, with 2,812 firms closing permanently in 2023.
- Is the wholesale trade agents and brokers industry growing or shrinking?
- The wholesale trade agents and brokers industry is currently growing with a net job creation rate of +3.5% per year. New businesses are entering at 10.2% while 10.8% close annually.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Business Dynamics Statistics (2023). Survival rate estimated from annual exit rates.