Canada Manufacturing Sales Seen Rebounding in August

Canada’s manufacturing sales advance estimates indicate that total manufacturing sales increased 1.1% month-over-month in August 2026, after falling 0.4% in July. If confirmed, this would be the sharpest increase since May. The advance results indicate that the largest increases were recorded in the primary metal and chemical subsectors.

Canada’s manufacturing sales fell 0.4% month over month to C$78.7 billion in July 2026, following a 0.1% rise in June and missing estimates for a 0.2% decline. Sales fell in eight of 21 subsectors, led by a 6.6% drop in chemical products, driven by lower sales in six of seven industry groups, particularly resin, synthetic rubber, and artificial and synthetic fibres and filaments. Food manufacturing sales fell 1.4%, largely due to lower grain and oilseed milling sales. Petroleum and coal products sales rose 1.9%, driven by higher prices, partly reflecting renewed US-Iran tensions and concerns over crude shipments through the Strait of Hormuz. Sales declined in six provinces, led by Alberta (-2.7%) and Manitoba (-7.7%). Manufacturing sales were 10.9% higher year over year.

Canada’s manufacturing sales advance estimate indicates that total manufacturing sales edged down 0.2% month-over-month in July 2026, after rising 0.1% in June. The largest declines were recorded in the chemical and fabricated metal product subsectors.