Manufacturing sales in Canada fell 1.2 per cent in November.

Statistics Canada reported manufacturing sales fell 1.2% to $70.8 billion in November, while wholesale sales excluding certain energy and grain items fell 1.8% to $84.4 billion.

Statistics Canada reported that total manufacturing sales fell 1.2 per cent in November to $70.8 billion. The decline reflected weaker activity in the motor vehicle and parts groups and a drop in machinery sales. Wholesale sales, excluding petroleum, petroleum products and other hydrocarbons and excluding oilseed and grain, also fell 1.8 per cent in November to $84.4 billion. The reports were released before the Bank of Canada's policy decision and monetary policy report scheduled for Jan. 28. Key figures: - Total manufacturing sales fell 1.2% to $70.8 billion in November, and in real terms manufacturing sales fell 2.3%. - Sales of motor vehicles fell 15.9% and motor vehicle parts fell 6.3%; the machinery subsector declined 3.2%. - Sales of petroleum and coal products rose 6.8%, supported by both higher prices and higher volumes. - Wholesale sales excluding specified energy and grain items fell 1.8% to $84.4 billion in November. - Wholesale sales of motor vehicles and motor vehicle parts and accessories fell 11.5% to $12.9 billion, the lowest level since October 2022. Summary: The reports indicate a pullback in manufacturing and wholesale activity in November, driven largely by weakness in the auto sector and related parts. An economist at Capital Economics wrote that the wholesale slump suggests GDP growth for November may have been weaker than Statistics Canada's early estimate and raises the risk that November GDP was unchanged. The Bank of Canada is scheduled to announce its policy decision and monetary policy report on Jan. 28.