Canadian manufacturing sales rose 4.2% to $67.7 billion in February, according to Statistics
Canada.
The main driver of manufacturing in February was the automotive industry, which ramped up
production even as the industry faced protests blocking the Ambassador Bridge between
Canada and the United States.
In all, Statistics Canada said manufacturing sales rose in 14 of 21 industries during February to
mark the fifth consecutive month of gains.
The overall increase came as sales of motor vehicles rose 25% to $3.7 billion, the highest level
since January 2021, even as some border crossings between Canada and the U.S. were
blocked by people protesting pandemic health restrictions.
Statistics Canada said the blockades contributed to a 5% drop in exports of motor vehicles and
parts in February. The protests also impacted 17.7% of manufacturing plants, with 13.2%
reporting disruptions in transportation and 8.3% reporting shortages of raw materials.
In addition to the gain in the motor vehicle sector, sales of food products gained 5.3% on grain
and oilseed milling and meat products, while petroleum and coal industry sales rose 6.7% due
in large part to higher prices.
Sales of manufactured wood products gained 8.5% to reach $4.5 billion in February.
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