Canada Wholesale Trade Rises More Than Expected

Canada’s wholesale trade rose 1.9% month-over-month to C$89.0 billion in March 2026, above forecasts of a 1.3% increase and following a 2.0% gain in February. Sales increased in five of the seven subsectors. The machinery, equipment and supplies subsector led gains, rising 6.5% to C$19.5 billion, driven by a 17.9% jump in computer and communications equipment and supplies. The personal and household goods subsector also contributed positively, with sales up 0.8% to C$13.3 billion, supported by higher pharmaceutical and pharmacy supply sales (1.0%). In contrast, the farm products excluding oilseed and grain subsector fell 3.8% to C$1.7 billion. Regionally, six provinces posted higher wholesale sales, led by Ontario (3.5%) and Alberta (3.2%). Compared with a year earlier, wholesale trade increased 3.3% in March.

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.