Statistics Canada says manufacturing sales rose 1.2% in May to $72.9 billion
OTTAWA – Statistics Canada says manufacturing revenue rose 1.2 percent to $72.9 billion in May, after falling 0.1 percent in April.
The overall increase for the month came as chemical sales rose 4.8 percent in May to $5.9 billion, boosted by higher sales of pesticides, fertilizers and other agricultural chemicals in Alberta and pharmaceuticals and medicinal products in Ontario.
Motor vehicle sales rose 4.8 percent to $4.9 billion in May, after falling 3.6 percent in April as semiconductor chip supply continues to improve.
Meanwhile, primary metal sales fell 6.9 percent to $5.2 billion.
Statistics Canada says declining demand has caused manufacturing activity to shrink around the world, particularly in China, leading to lower sales in the manufacturing and processing industries of non-ferrous metals (except aluminum).
Total sales in constant dollars rose 2.2 percent in May, indicating a higher volume of goods sold.
This report from The Canadian Press was first published on July 14, 2023.
