Canada's Wholesale Trade Seen Slightly Higher in April

Canada’s wholesale trade is estimated to have edged up 0.1% month-over-month in April 2026, following a 1.9% increase in the previous month. The anticipated gain partly reflected stronger sales in the building material and supplies subsector.

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.