The 0.2 percent gain missed economists' forecasts for an increase of 0.5 percent, while volumes were down 0.1 percent. The soft figures came after strong October growth, which was revised up to 1.3 percent from the previously reported 1.1 percent.
Sales in November rose in four out of seven sectors. The "miscellaneous" category led the way up with a 7.2 percent increase, driven by sales in agricultural supplies. The sector also includes chemicals and paper products.
Sales of building material and supplies rose 3.8 percent as exports of forestry products increased.
But the motor vehicle sector was the biggest drag on wholesale trade, falling 5.8 percent in just its second decrease in eight months.
The report will figure into economists' calculations for fourth-quarter economic growth and is likely to reinforce expectations that growth slowed after a strong third quarter.
(Reporting by Leah Schnurr; Editing by Lisa Von Ahn)
