Area Development
Manufacturing sales increased 2.4 percent in January, to 444.6 billion, recording the fifth consecutive month of sales growth for the Canadian business segment.

While most industries reported an increase, primary metal manufacturers led with 8.5 percent growth over December, 2009. Sales of plastic and rubber products rose 5.6 percent and the petroleum and coal products industry reported a sales increase of 3.4 percent.

The transportation equipment industry was one of four industries reporting weaker sales in January. The figures, provided by Statistics of Canada, indicate stronger manufacturing sales in seven provinces for the month of January, led by British Columbia, Quebec and Ontario. Inventory levels remained unchanged in January. Manufacturers had shed $8.8 billion or 12.8% of their inventories between October 2008 and September 2009, before leveling off in recent months.

Data from the February Monthly Survey of Manufacturing will be released on April 16.