Statistics Canada announced that, following a 0.3% decrease in July, total manufacturing sales increased 1.5% to $79.9 billion in August, on increased sales in 12 of the 21 subsectors, led by the primary metal (+14.0%) and chemical (+4.4%) subsectors.

The increases were partially offset by a 2.6% decline in transportation equipment sales. On a year-over-year basis, total manufacturing sales were up 14.2% in August.

Sales in the primary metal subsector reached their highest level on record, rising to $7.6 billion in August. The gain was driven by higher sales volumes and prices, with sales in constant dollars increasing 9.1%. Growth was concentrated almost entirely in the non-ferrous metal (excluding aluminum) production and processing industry group.

Sales rose in six provinces in August, led by Quebec and Newfoundland and Labrador.

Sales in Quebec increased 4.0% to $21.0 billion in August, the highest level on record. The gain was driven by increased sales in 13 of the 21 subsectors, led by the primary metal subsector. Sales of primary metal increased significantly in August, rising 20.1% to $4.0 billion on higher demand and prices. Year over year, total manufacturing sales in Quebec rose 15.1% in August.

In Newfoundland and Labrador, manufacturing sales were up 58.5% to $692 million in August, the highest level since May 2019. The gain in August was driven by an 82.6% increase in sales of non-durable products. With the gain in August, total sales were 125.1% higher than the same month last year.

 

Back