Given the rapidly evolving economic situation, Statistics Canada is providing an advance estimate of sales in the wholesale trade sector for August. The advance results for August indicate that wholesale sales (excluding petroleum, petroleum products, other hydrocarbons and oilseed and grain) rose 2.6%. The increase reflects higher sales in the machinery, equipment and supplies subsector and the miscellaneous subsector.
This estimate was calculated based on a weighted response rate of 58.1%. The average final response rate to the survey over the 12 months preceding it was 78.4%. As Statistics Canada continues to collect data for the August reference month, this early indicator is subject to a higher revision rate than the regular monthly release.
Advance estimates by subsector:
• Farm products (excluding oilseed and grain): +6.1%
• Food, beverage and tobacco products: -0.4%
• Personal and household goods: +0.2%
• Motor vehicles and motor vehicle parts and accessories: +0.7%
• Building material and supplies: +1.5%
• Machinery, equipment and supplies: +6.1%
• Miscellaneous goods: +7.6%
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 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 August, which will be based on a more complete set of survey and administrative data, is scheduled for release on October 16.
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).