Canadian manufacturing sales increased 1.5 percent in January to $50.4 billion, according to Statistics Canada. This is the largest gain since February 2013. The increase mostly reflected higher sales in the primary metal, food and miscellaneous industries.
Sales advanced in 12 of 21 industries in Canada, representing 46 percent of the manufacturing sector. Non-durable goods sales advanced 1 percent while durable goods sales were up 2 percent. Constant dollar sales were up 0.7 percent, indicating a rise in volumes.
In the food industry, sales rose 2.7 percent to $7.7 billion in January, the highest level since the current series began.
Chemical sales increased 2.7 percent to $4.1 billion in January.
In the transportation equipment industry, sales fell 1.2 percent. Sales were down 4.7 percent in the motor vehicle industry.
Manufacturing sales were up in four Canadian provinces in January, with Quebec leading the way.
In Quebec, sales rose 4.4 percent to $12.1 billion, the largest increase since January 2011.
Sales in the manufacturing sector in Alberta posted a 4.3 percent increase to $6.5 billion in January, largely reflecting higher sales in the chemical, petroleum and coal product industries.
British Columbia manufacturing sales were up 3.3 percent to $3.5 billion, with sales increasing in 16 of 21 industries in the province.
Manufacturing inventories rose 3.6 percent to $71.4 billion, led by higher inventory levels in almost all manufacturing industries, especially the aerospace product and parts industry.
In the petroleum and coal products industry, inventories increased 6.2 percent to $6.2 billion.
Computer and electronic product inventories increased 6.9 percent, with motor vehicle inventories up 15.3 percent and motor vehicle parts up 12.3 percent.
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