Canada Wholesale Trade Beats Estimates in September

Canada’s wholesale sales rose 0.7% month over month to C$92.5 billion in September 2026, beating estimates of a 0.5% increase and rebounding from a revised 1.4% drop in August. Sales grew in five of the seven surveyed subsectors. The largest gain came from machinery, equipment, and supplies, which rose 3.6%, driven by a 10% increase in computer and communications equipment sales. The motor vehicle and parts subsector posted the second-largest increase, rising 2.4%, with growth across all its industry groups, led by a 2.7% rise in motor vehicle sales. These gains were partly offset by a 2.9% decline in building materials and supplies. In Q3 2026, wholesale sales rose 1.5% quarter over quarter to C$277.5 billion.

Canada’s wholesale trade is estimated to have increased by 0.5% month-on-month in September 2026, rebounding from a 1.6% decline in August. The recovery was mainly driven by higher sales in the machinery, equipment and supplies subsector, as well as in the motor vehicle and motor vehicle parts and accessories subsector.

Canada’s wholesale sales fell 1.6% month-over-month to C$91.6 billion in August 2026, slightly exceeding expectations for a 1.5% decline and marking the first decrease since January. Sales fell in five of the seven subsectors surveyed. Motor vehicle and motor vehicle parts and accessories sales dropped 3.8% to C$15.1 billion, with all three industry groups reporting declines, led by a 4.6% fall in motor vehicle sales. Agricultural supplies recorded the second-largest decrease, with sales plunging 12.4% to C$3.5 billion, partly reflecting lower potash sales. The decline was partly offset by a 1.4% increase in building material and supplies sales to C$14.1 billion, driven by a 3.3% rise in lumber, millwork, hardware and other building supplies. Wholesale sales fell in six provinces, led by Ontario (-1.6%) and Saskatchewan (-8.2%). Despite the monthly decline, sales were up 7.2% year-over-year.