Figures released Tuesday by Statistics Canada show wholesale trade in this country rose more than expected in April, led by the machinery industry, but only two other sectors showed gains.
The 1% increase two months ago topped economists' estimates for a gain of 0.5%, while the agency revised March up to a 1.2% rise from an initially reported 0.9%
The nation's number crunchers add that, of the seven major sectors, the three with April gains accounted for 41% of total sales. Removing the effects of price changes, overall volume was up 0.7%
Sales rose 7.3% in the machinery, equipment and supplies sector due to more purchases of farm, lawn and garden items.
The food, beverage and tobacco sector rose 1.5% its third monthly gain in a row on higher food sales, while sales of farm products rose 5.2%. Sales of motor vehicles and parts fell 1.7%, the sector's third consecutive month of declines.
