Given the rapidly evolving economic situation, Statistics Canada is providing an advance estimate of sales in the wholesale trade sector for December. The advance results for December indicate that wholesale sales fell 1.8%. The decrease reflects lower sales in the machinery, equipment and supplies subsector and the miscellaneous goods subsector.
This estimate was calculated based on a weighted response rate of 63.3%. The average final response rate to the survey over the 12 months preceding it was 84.6%. As Statistics Canada continues to collect data for the December reference month, this early indicator is subject to a higher revision rate than the regular monthly release.
Advance estimates by subsector:
• Farm products: +2.2%
• Food, beverage and tobacco products: +0.5%
• Personal and household goods: -0.7%
• Motor vehicles and motor vehicle parts and accessories: -1.0%
• Building material and supplies: -3.0%
• Machinery, equipment and supplies: -3.5%
• Miscellaneous goods: -3.5%
Note to readers
The percentage change is calculated using seasonally adjusted data in current dollars.
This early indicator is a special product published in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic to provide Canadians with timely information on the wholesale sector. The official estimate of wholesale sales for the month of December, which will be based on a more complete set of survey and administrative data, is scheduled for release on February 15, 2023.
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).