Manufacturing sales hit record high in November: StatsCan

Driven by sales of transportation equipment, petroleum and coal products and the chemical industry, Canadian manufacturing sales hit a record high in November, a new report from Statistics Canada says.

Statistics Canada said 12 of 21 industries, representing 81 per cent of the manufacturing sector, gained ground in November. Manufacturing sales volumes rose 2.5 per cent for the month after higher petroleum prices and other price changes were removed.

Sales of transportation equipment increased 9.1 per cent to $10.6 billion in November, following two consecutive monthly decreases.

The rebound reflected increased production after motor vehicle assembly plant shutdowns in October. The motor vehicle assembly group climbed 14.2 per cent, while the motor vehicle parts industry added 11.3 per cent.

The petroleum and coal product industry also gained 6.1 per cent to $6 billion, primarily due to higher prices, while the chemical industry sales rose 5.9 per cent to $4.4 billion in November, after falling 2.7 per cent in the previous month.

Manufacturing sales were up in nine provinces in November.

Ontario climbed 5.8 per cent in November to $25.4 billion, while Quebec rose 1.2 per cent to $13.4 billion.