Canadian manufacturing sales increased 0.6 percent to C$53.8 billion (US$40.25 billion) in January, led by a 2.3 percent gain in non-durable goods sales and by increases in petroleum and coal, and chemical industries, according to Statistics Canada.
Sales of petroleum and coal products rose 7 percent reflecting higher prices and volumes.
Sales in the chemical manufacturing industry rose 2.5 percent, the third increase in four months. A large part of the gain was the result of higher demand by farmers for pesticides and other agricultural chemicals products, which usually occurs before the start of the season.
In constant dollar sales in the chemical industry were up 2 percent, indicating higher volumes of chemical products were sold.
Sales rose in 14 of 21 industries, representing more than 75.4 percent of the manufacturing sector. Motor vehicle sales increased 3.9 percent in January. Sales of food rose 0.7 percent in January. The motor vehicle parts industry recorded a decrease of 1.5 percent in sales.
Sales rose in seven provinces in January, led by Ontario which increased 1 percent due mainly to higher sales in the petroleum and coal industry (+10.4 percent). In addition, food sales rose 2 percent while fabricated metal product sales were up 2.6 percent.
In Alberta, sales rose 2.7 percent. Gains were recorded in 14 of 21 industries, largely driven by an 8.6 percent increase in the petroleum and coal products industry.
Sales in Quebec fell 1.5 percent. The decline was mostly due to lower production in the aerospace product and parts industry. These decreases were partly offset by higher sales in the petroleum and coal, fabricated metal and chemical industries.
