Statistics Canada announced that Canada's real gross domestic product (GDP) was essentially unchanged in August.

Of the 20 industrial sectors, 9 expanded. This was the second consecutive month where real GDP was essentially unchanged.

The services-producing industries aggregate edged down 0.1% in August, as decreases in the wholesale trade and public administration sectors were partially offset by increases in retail trade. The goods-producing industries grouping edged up 0.1%, as expansions in manufacturing and construction more than offset the decline in utilities.

The manufacturing sector rose 0.3% in August, up for the fifth time in seven months. Machinery manufacturing was up 3.8% in August, coinciding with higher exports of machinery and equipment.

Rail transportation grew 3.6% in August, the largest monthly growth rate since March 2025. Movements of wheat by rail contributed the most to the increase in August 2026 following a record high wheat production for the crop year. Additionally, intermodal shipments and the freight traffic arriving from the United States further contributed to the growth.

 

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