Canada Manufacturing Sales Seen Rising in May

Canada’s manufacturing sales are projected to rise 1.1% month-over-month in May 2026, following a 4.2% increase in April, according to preliminary estimates. The expected increase is mainly supported by stronger sales in the motor vehicle industry group and the chemical subsector.

Canada’s manufacturing sales rose 4.2% month-over-month to a record C$77.1 billion in April 2026, following a 3.4% increase in March and marking the strongest growth since February 2022. Sales increased in 17 of 21 subsectors. Petroleum and coal product sales surged 22.6% to another record high as several refineries ramped up production after maintenance shutdowns in March, while the closure of the Strait of Hormuz continued to support energy prices. Food product sales also reached a record high, rising 2.9%, led by higher grain and oilseed milling activity. In contrast, primary metal sales fell 4.6%, the largest decline among subsectors. Manufacturing sales rose in seven provinces, led by Alberta (16.7%) and Quebec (4.2%). Excluding petroleum and coal products, total manufacturing sales increased 1.4%.

Canada’s manufacturing sales are projected to rise 4.6% month-over-month in April 2026, following a 3% increase in the previous month, according to preliminary estimates. The expected gain is mainly driven by stronger sales in the petroleum and coal products subsector.