Statistics Canada reports manufacturing sales up 2.1% in March
March sales were boosted by the transportation equipment, petroleum and coal product, and primary metal industries
OTTAWA – Statistics Canada says manufacturing sales increased 2.1% to $58.0 billion in March, boosted by the transportation equipment, petroleum and coal product, and primary metal industries.
Economists had expected a 1.1% increase for the month, according to Thomson Reuters Eikon.
Sales were up in 12 of 21 industries, representing 56.4% of the Canadian manufacturing sector.
Sales of transportation equipment increased 4.5% to $11.1 billion in March, helped by a 6.5% increase in motor vehicle sales.
The petroleum and coal product industry reported sales rose 8.2% to $6.2 billion, while primary metal sales climbed 5.3% to $4.4 billion.
Overall manufacturing sales rose 1.6% in volume terms.
