Manufacturing sales slipped 1.4 per cent in October: StatsCan

Statistics Canada says manufacturing sales declined 1.4 per cent in October to $48.8 billion, reflecting drops in aerospace products and parts, motor vehicle assembly and the primary metal industries.

It says the declines were partly offset by higher sales in petroleum and coal products as well as the wood product industries.

Overall, sales declined in 12 of 21 industries, representing approximately 71 per cent of the manufacturing sector.

Durable goods sales decreased 2.9 per cent to $24.7 billion, while sales of non-durable goods rose 0.3 per cent to $24.2 billion.

Constant-dollar manufacturing sales fell 2.4 per cent in October, indicating a decline in the volume of manufactured goods sold.

Sales were down in six provinces, though the decrease was concentrated in Ontario, where sales dropped 3.4 per cent to $22 billion.