(Ottawa) Manufacturers’ sales increased 0.4% to $72.8 billion in September, as higher prices contributed to sales growth in the petroleum and coal product manufacturing subsector, Statistics Canada said on Wednesday.
According to the federal agency, sales increased in 10 of 21 manufacturing subsectors. Those of the petroleum and coal products group having gained 6.3%, those of wood products, by 2.9%, and those of machinery, by 1.3%. These gains were partially offset by a 1.8% drop in chemical sales and a 2.6% drop in motor vehicle parts sales.
Expressed in constant dollars, total manufacturer sales fell 0.6% in September, signaling a decline in the volume of goods sold.
In a separate report, Statistics Canada said wholesale sales, excluding petroleum, petroleum products, and other hydrocarbons, as well as oilseeds and cereal grains, increased 0.4% to $83.1 billion. in September.
The increase came as wholesale sales were higher in four of seven subsectors, mainly due to a 2.2% increase in the motor vehicles and vehicle parts and accessories subsector. automobiles and an increase of 1.6% in the food, beverage and tobacco subsector.
Expressed in volume, wholesale sales, excluding petroleum, petroleum products, and other hydrocarbons, as well as oilseeds and cereal grains, increased by 0.5% in September.
Statistics Canada began including sales of petroleum, petroleum products, and other hydrocarbons, as well as those of oilseeds and cereal grains, in its wholesale trade coverage earlier this year. However, the agency excludes this data during the first year, to have historical data allowing a fair comparison on an annual basis.