Manufacturing sales fell 0.8 per cent in October, Statistics Canada says
by The Canadian Press
Sales declined in 15 of 21 industries, leading to unexpected drop in overall sales; economists had predicted small gain
OTTAWA—Statistics Canada says manufacturing sales fell 0.8 per cent to $51.0 billion in October, including declines in the primary metal, petroleum and coal products, and machinery industries.
Economists had expected a gain of 0.4 per cent for the month, according to Thomson Reuters.
October’s decline followed two consecutive monthly gains.
Sales fell in 15 of the 21 industries tracked by Statistics Canada, representing 61 per cent of the manufacturing sector.
Durable goods fell 1.1 per cent, while non-durable goods sales dropped 0.4 per cent.
Constant dollar sales fell 1.7 per cent in October, reflecting a lower volume of manufactured goods sold.