Statistics Canada reports manufacturing sales up 7% in July

OTTAWA — Statistics Canada says manufacturing sales rose 7% to $53.1 billion in July, helped by gains in sales in the motor vehicle and parts sector.

However, despite three consecutive months of growth, the agency says manufacturing sales remain 5.4% below their pre-pandemic level in February.

Economists had expected an increase of 8.7% for July, according to financial markets data firm Refinitiv.

Sales rose in 13 of the 21 industries for the month.

Sales in the transportation equipment industry rose by 24.1% in July, boosted by a 32.9% gain in motor vehicle sales. Sales of motor vehicle parts rose 38.9%.

Manufacturing sales in constant dollars rose 6.1%.