Statistics Canada is providing an advance estimate of sales in the wholesale trade sector for March. The advance results for March indicate that wholesale sales (excluding petroleum, petroleum products, and other hydrocarbons and excluding oilseed and grain) decreased 0.3%. The decline reflects lower sales in five of the seven subsectors.
This estimate was calculated based on a weighted response rate of 64.8%. The average final response rate to the survey over the 12 preceding months was 82.2%. As Statistics Canada continues to collect data for the March 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 March, which will be based on a more complete set of survey and administrative data, is scheduled for release on May 15.
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, February 2025.
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).