Manufacturing sales down in July, third drop in five months: StatsCan

Statistics Canada says manufacturing sales fell 1.5 per cent to $48.3 billion in July, the third decrease in five months.

 It says declines in production of transportation equipment, including aerospace products and motor vehicles, were largely responsible for the overall drop.

Manufacturers in 11 of 21 industries reported lower sales, representing over 60 per cent of total manufacturing.

Sales of durable goods fell 2.7 per cent, while sales of non-durable goods edged down 0.1 per cent.

Sales declined in five provinces in July, with Ontario and Quebec reporting the largest decreases in dollar terms.

In Ontario, sales were down 1.9 per cent to $22.3 billion, while Quebec sales were off 2.6 per cent to $11.3 billion.