Given the rapidly evolving economic situation, 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 fell 0.3%. The decrease reflects lower sales in the machinery, equipment and supplies subsector.
This estimate was calculated based on a weighted response rate of 58.1%. The average final response rate for the survey over the past 12 months has been 88.0%. 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.
Advance estimates by subsector:
• Farm products: -1.6%
• Food, beverage and tobacco products: +1.1%
• Personal and household goods: -2.4%
• Motor vehicles and motor vehicle parts and accessories: +2.0%
• Building materials and supplies: +4.2%
• Machinery, equipment and supplies: -4.2%
• Miscellaneous goods: -1.8%
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 March, which will be based on a more complete set of survey and administrative data, is scheduled for release on May 16, 2022.
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).