Statistics Canada is providing an advance estimate of sales in the wholesale trade sector for January. The advance results for January indicate that wholesale sales (excluding petroleum, petroleum products, and other hydrocarbons and excluding oilseed and grain) rose 1.8%. The increase partly reflects higher sales in the motor vehicle and motor vehicle parts and accessories subsector.
This estimate was calculated based on a weighted response rate of 59.1%. The average final response rate to the survey over the 12 preceding months was 82.1%. As Statistics Canada continues to collect data for the January reference month, this early indicator is subject to a higher revision rate than the regular monthly release.
Note to readers
Petroleum, petroleum products, and other hydrocarbons and 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 efficiency, 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, and other hydrocarbons and oilseed and grain).
The official estimate of wholesale sales for the month of January, which will be based on a more complete set of survey and administrative data, is scheduled for release on March 14, 2025.
The "Behind the data" web page provides simple explanations of concepts found in Statistics Canada's The Daily.
The article "Advance indicators—Frequently asked questions" provides nontechnical answers to questions related to the production, use and interpretation of advance indicators.
Reference
Definitions, data sources and methods: survey number 2401.
Previous release: Wholesale trade: Early indicator, December 2024.
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).