Automotive, aerospace sectors propel December manufacturing sales
February 16, 2010
By Manufacturing AUTOMATION
Manufacturing sales rose 1.6 percent in December to $43.0 billion. The gains were mostly concentrated in the transportation equipment industry, according to Statistics Canada’s Monthly Survey of Manufacturing (see November, October, September, August, July, June, May and April 2009 results). This was the sixth increase in overall manufacturing sales in seven months and the highest level since December 2008.
Gains in the aerospace product and parts, the motor vehicle and the petroleum and coal product industries were largely responsible for December’s increase.
| This was the sixth increase in overall manufacturing sales in seven months and the highest level since December 2008. |
Constant dollar manufacturing sales increased 2.1 percent in December. Sales advanced in 11 of the 21 manufacturing industries for December.
Manufacturing sales advance in several industries
Production in the aerospace product and parts industry rose 28.1 percent, following a 17.1-percent decline in November. Recently, the aerospace product and parts industry has been volatile compared with the overall manufacturing sector.
Sales in the motor vehicle industry increased 4.4 percent in December to $3.6 billion. Sales have been rising since January 2009.
The petroleum and coal products industry reported a sales increase of 2.4 percent in December. The gain reflected greater sales volumes reported by several refineries.
The advance in overall manufacturing was partially offset by a 6.4-percent decline in the non-metallic mineral product industry.
Sales increase in most provinces
In December, eight provinces showed stronger manufacturing sales. The largest gain was in Ontario, where sales increased by $438 million in December to $19.8 billion. The motor vehicle, primary metal and miscellaneous manufacturing industries led the provincial increase.
New Brunswick reported an increase in sales of $156 million (+13.0%) in December. This was the third monthly rise after a 26.1-percent drop in September.
Manufacturing activity increased by $56 million (+5.0%) in Manitoba. The increase reverses a 4.2-percent drop in November.
Manufacturing sales decreased 2.3 percent in British Columbia, reflecting declines in both the primary metals and wood products industries.
