Statistics Canada is providing an advance estimate of sales in the wholesale trade sector for February. The advance results for February indicate that wholesale sales (excluding petroleum, petroleum products, other hydrocarbons and oilseed and grain) rose 0.8%. The increase reflects higher sales in the machinery, equipment and supplies subsector, the motor vehicle and motor vehicle parts and accessories subsector and the building material and supplies subsector.
This estimate was calculated based on a weighted response rate of 60.7%. The average final response rate to the survey over the eight months preceding it was 80.1%. As Statistics Canada continues to collect data for the February reference month, this early indicator is subject to a higher revision rate than the regular monthly release.
Note to readers
Petroleum products, as well as oilseed and grain, data continue to be available in data tables but will be excluded from monthly analysis until historical data are available for proper monthly and annual analysis.
The percentage change is calculated using seasonally adjusted data in current dollars.
This early indicator is a special product published to provide Canadians with timely information on the wholesale sector. In an effort to increase efficiencies, at the next release of the wholesale early indicator, Statistics Canada will only be providing an estimate for total wholesale sales (excluding petroleum, petroleum products, other hydrocarbons and oilseed and grain).
The official estimate of wholesale sales for the month of February, which will be based on a more complete set of survey and administrative data, is scheduled for release on April 15.
Reference
Contact information
For more information, or to enquire about the concepts, methods or data quality of this release, contact us (toll-free 1-800-263-1136; 514-283-8300; infostats@statcan.gc.ca) or Media Relations (statcan.mediahotline-ligneinfomedias.statcan@statcan.gc.ca).