Following a strong gain in March, Canadian manufacturing shipments edged down in April. Shipments decreased by&nbsp ; 0.6% to an estimated&nbsp ; $49.7&nbsp ; billion.
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Excluding the motor vehicle parts and accessory industries, manufacturing shipments increased&nbsp ; 1% in April.
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At&nbsp ; 1997&nbsp ; prices, shipments rose&nbsp ; 0.5% to&nbsp ; $45&nbsp ; billion. The constant dollar measurement takes price fluctuations into account. This was the fifth volume advance in six months.

Shipments declined in&nbsp ; 12&nbsp ; of&nbsp ; 21&nbsp ; manufacturing industries, which represent about&nbsp ; 51% of total output.
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Shipments of non-durable goods increased for the third consecutive month in April, rising&nbsp ; 0.7% to&nbsp ; $22.5&nbsp …