Wholesale trade is an economic activity that focuses on the bulk sale of goods between business entities for resale, rather than sales directly to consumers. The goal of wholesale trade is to satisfy retailers’ demand for those goods, who may or may not give or add value to the goods they receive. This type of trade is a major component of the global supply chain and allows business to purchase goods in quantity and in their desired quality, as well as offering them advantageous prices.

Wholesalers purchase goods from manufacturers, as well as other wholesalers, and distribute them to retailers, commercial and industrial users, and other buyers. Usually, these activities are carried out in a building or other area dedicated to the activity, often called a "warehouse" or "wholesale depot." These facilities usually stocking goods for immediate delivery, or deliver goods in the form of stock items, which the buyer can unpack and use.

Wholesale trade data provides valuable insight into the health of the economy and can be an important leading indicator of consumer trends. Investors who track wholesale trade data are able to better assess future production levels as they can observe the ratio of sales to inventories. This ratio can provide important information about impending shifts in the production and supply chain because it reveals how well goods are moving in the market.

Wholesale trade is constantly changing, as multinational firms become a larger component of the marketplace and current technologies provide new platforms for businesses to purchase and sell products. Nevertheless, it remains an essential part of the global economy and has a significant impact on the performance of economies worldwide. By understanding wholesale trade activities, investors and business operators can gain key insights into the dynamics of the global economic system.