Canada’s manufacturing sales rose 1.3% month over month to a record C$78.1 billion in May 2026, surpassing market expectations for a 1.1% increase and building on a 4.2% gain in April. Sales were higher in 14 of 21 subsectors.
Motor vehicle sales jumped 11.8% to C$4.6 billion, reversing a 4.6% decline in April, supported by stronger sales of automobiles, light-duty vehicles, and heavy-duty trucks. In the chemical subsector, sales increased 4.6% to C$5.9 billion, marking a third consecutive monthly rise and the highest level since July 2024. The gains were broadly based, with basic chemical manufacturing posting the largest advance.
By contrast, the electrical equipment, appliance, and component subsector registered the steepest decline, with sales down 5.8% to C$1.4 billion, largely reflecting weaker-than-usual seasonal demand for electrical equipment.
Regionally, manufacturing sales increased in six provinces, led by Ontario, up 2.0%, and Saskatchewan, up 9.6%.
