nondurable good

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July 1, 2026

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Nondurable goods are tangible commodities purchased to satisfy immediate wants and needs. These items have a short lifespan, ranging from minutes to about three years, before they are consumed or deteriorate. Examples include food, beverages, clothing, shoes, and gasoline. Unlike durable goods, which last longer and are often postponed purchases like cars or appliances, nondurables are meant for quick consumption. The term "soft goods" is also used, especially for textile products that are not durable.1234

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consumer good
Consumer nondurable goods are purchased for immediate or almost immediate consumption and have a life span ranging from minutes to three years. Common examples of these are food, beverages, clothing, shoes, and gasoline.
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Consumer nondurable goods are purchased for immediate or almost immediate consumption and have a life span ranging from minutes to three years. Common examples of these are food, beverages, clothing, shoes, and gasoline.
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consumption
Consumption and the business cycle
Nondurable goods include food and other immediately perishable items (sometimes called “strictly nondurable goods”) as well as some items that can be expected to last for a substantial period of time, such as clothing.
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Nondurable goods include food and other immediately perishable items (sometimes called “strictly nondurable goods”) as well as some items that can be expected to last for a substantial period of time, such as clothing.
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visible trade
…are appliances or automobiles, or nondurable (consumed almost immediately), as is food. Visible trade also includes the export and import of goods used directly in the production of other goods and services (capital goods) such as industrial machinery and equipment.
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…are appliances or automobiles, or nondurable (consumed almost immediately), as is food. Visible trade also includes the export and import of goods used directly in the production of other goods and services (capital goods) such as industrial machinery and equipment.
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