Canada Wholesale Sales Seen Rising for 2nd Month

Canada's wholesale trade is estimated to have risen by 1.3% month-over-month in March 2026, following a 2% advance in February, according to advance estimates. The anticipated increase partly reflects higher sales in the machinery, equipment and supplies subsector.

Canada’s wholesale trade rose by 2% month-on-month to C$86.8 billion in February 2026, slightly below the initially reported 2.3% gain and following a revised 1.1% decline in January. Sales increased in five of the seven subsectors, led by the motor vehicle and motor vehicle parts and accessories subsector (+6.1% to $14.4 billion) and the food, beverage and tobacco subsector (+2.9% to $16.5 billion). Additionally, sales of personal and household goods rose 2.5% to their highest level on record of $13.2 billion. On the other hand, the miscellaneous subsector fell 0.6% to $10.9 billion, led by a 19.4% decrease in the mineral, ore and precious metal industry group to $733.4 million. Seven provinces recorded higher sales, led by Ontario (2.8%) and Quebec (3.3%). On a yearly basis, wholesale sales grew 1.2% in February.

Canada's wholesale trade is expected to rise 2.3% month-over-month in February 2026, according to advance estimates, following a 1.0% increase in January. This expansion would mark the highest gain since April 2024. The expected increase is partly driven by higher sales in the motor vehicle and motor vehicle parts and accessories subsector.