Source: Statistics Canada
 
Manufacturers’ factory sales rose by a sharp 2.0% in April to $49.8 billion, following a weak March (-1.7%). Gains were led by the petroleum products industry but still were broadly based as 17 of the 21 manufacturing industries, representing 80% of total sales, reported increases.

Petroleum and coal products (+9.0%) dominated all industries in April, as manufacturing sales for this industry exceeded the $7.0 billion mark for the first time. Higher prices (+7.9%) and the return to more normal production levels, following the completion of scheduled maintenance by some refineries, were the key reasons for April’s showing.

Excluding petroleum from the mix, total …