Statistics Canada says manufacturing sales up 8.7% in July

OTTAWA — Statistics Canada said early estimates for July suggest manufacturing sales growth slowed to 8.7% for the month.

The agency’s flash estimate for the month is part of an effort to provide more timely economic data.

The preliminary estimate for July compared with a record 20.7% gain seen in June as factories continued to ramp up production.

The increase in June was led by the motor vehicle and motor vehicle parts industries.

It followed a revised gain of 11.6% in May, up from an initial reading of 10.7% for that month.

The official estimate of manufacturing sales for July is expected to be released on Sept. 15.