Canada Manufacturing Sales Forecast to Rise in March

Canada’s manufacturing sales are forecast to rise 3.5% in March 2026, following a 3.6% increase in the prior month, according to preliminary estimates. The largest gains are expected in the petroleum and coal product subsector and the transportation equipment subsector.

Canada's manufacturing sales rose 3.6% to C$71.2 billion in February 2026, rebounding from a 3% decline in January and slightly below preliminary estimates of 3.8%. Transportation equipment led the rebound, surging 18.8% to C$10.6 billion after an 18.4% plunge in January, with all industry groups posting gains and motor vehicles and parts showing the strongest performance. Machinery sales jumped 7.7% to C$4.6 billion on higher prices and volumes following January's 6.3% drop, while primary metals reached a record high at C$6.5 billion, up 4.9%. Meanwhile, chemical products declined 3.2% to C$5.0 billion, the lowest since July 2025, driven by weakness in basic chemicals and pharmaceuticals. Sales rose in six provinces, led by Ontario and Quebec, while Alberta posted the largest decline.

Canada’s manufacturing sales are expected to rise 3.8% in February 2026, following a 3% decline in January, according to preliminary estimates. The advance reflects higher sales in the transportation equipment and food subsectors. If confirmed, it would mark the strongest monthly advance since January 2023.