Auto sector lifted June wholesale sales to $55 billion: StatsCan

Propelled by a stronger-than-expected auto sector, Canada’s wholesale sales in June rose by 1.3 per cent to $55.3 billion, according to new figures from Statistics Canada.

According to StatsCan, five of seven wholesale subsectors posted gains, led by the motor vehicle and parts subsector. The group increased 3.0 per cent to $10.2 billion in June, more than offsetting a drop in May.

Excluding the vehicle and parts subsector, wholesale sales were up 0.9 per cent.

Sales in the personal and household goods subsector rose 2.2 per cent to a record $7.8 billion, following two consecutive declines.

In the machinery, equipment and supplies subsector, sales rose 1.3% to $11.2 billion in June, partially offsetting the decline in May.

In volume terms, wholesale sales rose 1.1 per cent in June.

Wholesale sales in June increased in seven provinces, led by Ontario and Quebec. Sales in Ontario rose 1.3 per cent to $27.8 billion in June, its highest level since December 2014. Quebec sales increased 3.1 per cent to $10.0 billion, while sales in Nova Scotia increased 7.8% to $822 million, their second highest level on record. Sales in both provinces rose on the strength of gains in all subsectors.

In other provinces, Alberta gained 0.8 per cent to $6.7 billion, following six consecutive moves lower. Manitoba slipped 6.9 per cent lower, while Saskatchewan dropped 1.7 per cent.

Wholesale sales in the second quarter rose 2.1 per cent compared with the first quarter.