Manufacturing sales rose 1.4% in September to $41.7 billion, largely reflecting increases in the motor vehicle industry, according to figures released this morning by Statistics Canada.
Manufacturing sales have increased in three of the past four months, after dropping to a recent low of $38.5 billion in May. Despite the recent gains, sales remained 18.6% below September 2008 levels.
Most of the manufacturing gains in September were in the motor vehicles and motor vehicle parts industries. Other durable goods industries, such as primary metals and fabricated metals, also contributed to the increase.
Constant-dollar manufacturing sales rose 1.8% in September.
Sales advanced in 14 of the 21 manufacturing industries. These industries accounted for over half (53.1%) of total sales.
In September, motor vehicle sales increased by 16.4% to $3.8 billion, the highest level since September of last year. Sales had fallen to as low as $1.6 billion in January 2009, due to extended shutdowns and poor market conditions.
Motor vehicle parts sales gained 13.7% in September, reflecting rising motor vehicle production.
Excluding motor vehicles, parts and accessories, manufacturing sales edged down 0.4% during the month.
