Canada Factory Activity Rises to 13-Month High

2026-03-02 14:33 By Felipe Alarcon 1 min. read

The S&P Global Canada Manufacturing PMI rose to 51.0 in February 2026 from 50.4 in the previous month, marking the second month of improvement and recording a 13-month high.

Output stabilised in the period even as new order inflows returned to growth for the first time in over a year, with domestic demand helping to offset a sustained decline in export sales amid ongoing headwinds from US tariffs.

Consequently, improved order books gave way to the fastest rise in staffing levels for 13 months, as firms boosted capacity in response to greater workloads and expansion plans.

Meanwhile, input price inflation accelerated to a six-month high, driven by rising costs for steel and aluminum, and pushed firms to raise their output charges to the greatest degree since March 2025.

Looking forward, confidence in future output improved to the highest level since December 2024.



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Canada Factory Activity Rises to 13-Month High
The S&P Global Canada Manufacturing PMI rose to 51.0 in February 2026 from 50.4 in the previous month, marking the second month of improvement and recording a 13-month high. Output stabilised in the period even as new order inflows returned to growth for the first time in over a year, with domestic demand helping to offset a sustained decline in export sales amid ongoing headwinds from US tariffs. Consequently, improved order books gave way to the fastest rise in staffing levels for 13 months, as firms boosted capacity in response to greater workloads and expansion plans. Meanwhile, input price inflation accelerated to a six-month high, driven by rising costs for steel and aluminum, and pushed firms to raise their output charges to the greatest degree since March 2025. Looking forward, confidence in future output improved to the highest level since December 2024.
2026-03-02
Canada Factory Activity Expands After 11-Month Rout
The S&P Global Canada Manufacturing PMI rose to 50.4 in January 2026 from 48.6 in the previous month, marking the end of an eleven-month downturn and recording a 12-month high. Output stabilised in the period even as new order inflows fell only marginally, the weakest reduction in 12 months, with panellists citing persistent market uncertainty and tariffs from the United States weighing on trade. Consequently, lower capacity demand gave way to a marginal net gain in staffing levels for the first time in a year, with some firms taking on staff in expectation of higher output. Meanwhile, input price inflation accelerated to a five-month high and drove firms to raise their output charges to the greatest degree since March 2025. Looking forward, confidence in future output improved to a three-month high.
2026-02-02
Canada Factory Activity Declines for 11th Month
The S&P Global Canada Manufacturing PMI inched higher to 48.6 in December of 2025 from 48.4 in the previous month, marking the eleventh consecutive month of contraction in factory activity, albeit at the second slowest pace in the period. Output continued to decline in the period amid a fresh drop in new order intakes, with panellists citing persistent market uncertainty, especially in relation to tariffs from the United States. Consequently, the lower capacity demand in plants drove companies to another cut in employment levels, largely due to the non-replacement of leavers. Meanwhile, input price inflation rose slightly and drove firms to increase their output charges the most in six months. Looking forward, confidence in future output softened to a three-month low.
2026-01-02