Canadian manufacturing sales hit 17-month high in October: StatsCan

OTTAWA – Statistics Canada says manufacturing sales increased 1.0 per cent in October to $50.1 billion, hitting their highest level since May 2012.

The agency says the October increase was mostly due to higher sales in the food industry.

Sales were up in 13 of 21 industries, representing 49 per cent of the manufacturing sector.

Non-durable goods sales advanced 2.6 per cent while durable goods sales declined 0.5 per cent.

Food industry sales rose 6.9 per cent to $7.7 billion,while sales in the transportation equipment industry sales fell 1.7 per cent to $8.8 billion, partly offsetting the overall gain in total manufacturing sales.

Sales were up in seven provinces in October, with Quebec leading the way.