Statistics Canada reports manufacturing sales up 4.3 percent in October

Statistics Canada says manufacturing sales rose 4.3 percent in October, helped by gains in the auto sector and primary metal industry.

The agency says manufacturing sales climbed $61.2 billion in October after posting a 2.8 percent drop in September.

Sales increased in 17 of 21 industries in October as a rebound in motor vehicle sales helped boost the transportation equipment sector. Motor vehicle sales rose 61.0 percent to $3.1 billion in October after falling 35.8 percent in September.

Primary metal industry sales rose 4.0 percent to $5.4 billion in October, driven by higher sales of alumina and aluminum products.

Sales of aerospace products and parts fell 8.3 percent to $1.4 billion in October.

Statistics Canada says manufacturing sales in constant dollars rose 3.1 percent in October, indicating a higher volume of goods sold, but also inflationary pressures.