Manufacturing stays flattish

OTTAWA — Manufacturing remained relatively leveled in November, edged up a meager 0.1 percent to $42.6 billion in November, as gains in several industries were offset by decreases in the transportation equipment industry.

Although a very modest up tick, this was the fifth increase in manufacturing sales in six months, reports Stats Canada.

Sales gains in chemical manufacturing (+5.3%) and in petroleum and coal products (+2.9%) were offset by declines in the aerospace product and parts and motor vehicle industries.

The transportation equipment industry anchored down total sales by declining 4.3 percent. Production in the aerospace product and parts industry pulled back 15.4 percent after a 48.2 percent jump the previous month. 

Motor vehicle sales were also down, decreasing 4.5 percent after two months of gains.

Half of the provinces posted increased sales. The largest gain was in New Brunswick, where manufacturing sales advanced 15.2 percent in November.

Alberta continued to report stronger manufacturing sales, largely due to petroleum and coal product sales, which reached the highest level for the province since October 2008.

Inventory levels, contracting in 16 of 21 industries — declined overall by 0.3 percent to $59.7 billion — the 10th decrease in 12 months, moving inventories 12.2 percent lower than November 2008 levels.

Unfilled orders fell for a fifth consecutive month, down 1.4 percent to $51.5 billion — lowest level since March 2007.