Manufacturing sales in this country rose 1.7% in December, Statistics Canada said Friday, despite a 9.3% drop in sales of petroleum and coal products.
The agency added that, if those two industries were excluded, Canadian manufacturing output was up by a very solid 3.2% during the month.
Part of the gain was attributed to stronger sales in the transport sector, including cars and automotive parts. Overall, sales were higher in 17 of 21 industries, representing nearly 80% of total Canadian manufacturing.
Sales increased in seven provinces in December, led by Ontario, Quebec and British Columbia. Sales skidded 4% in Saskatchewan and 0.8% in Alberta.
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