Canadian wholesale sales increased for a third consecutive month

Wholesale sales increased for a third consecutive month in June, up 0.7% to $56.4 billion. Four of the seven subsectors, representing 68% of wholesale sales, recorded gains.

In volume terms, wholesale sales rose 0.6% from May to June.

In the second quarter, wholesale sales in current dollars grew 0.6%, while those in constant dollars advanced 1.1%.

Higher sales in four subsectors

The motor vehicle and parts subsector posted the largest increase in dollar terms in June, rising 3.1% to $11.2 billion, mainly on the strength of higher sales in the motor vehicle industry (+3.8%). For both the subsector and the industry, higher sales in the second quarter more than offset the decline in the first quarter. Imports of motor vehicles and parts, and manufacturing sales of motor vehicles also recorded gains in June.

The personal and household goods subsector posted the second largest increase in June, up 2.0% to $8.4 billion. This was the fifth consecutive monthly rise. While sales advanced in five of the subsector's six industries, the textile, clothing and footwear industry (+6.9%) and pharmaceuticals and pharmacy supplies industry (+1.4%) contributed the most to the gain.

Sales in the building material and supplies subsector increased for the second consecutive month in June, up 1.8% to $7.6 billion, with all of the subsector's industries reporting gains. The lumber, millwork, hardware and other building supplies industry (+2.6%) contributed the most to the rise, its sales reaching their highest level on record.

The machinery, equipment and supplies subsector rose 1.1% to $11.1 billion, a second consecutive increase. Higher sales were recorded in three of its four industries.