Statistics Canada said Tuesday that manufacturing sales in the country fell 0.3 percent to $49.1 billion in February, following a 1.3 percent decrease in January. Sales decreased in 11 of 21 industries, representing about 64 percent of Canadian manufacturing. Inventories rose 0.3 percent in February to $65.8 billion, the 16th gain in 17 months. Inventories were up in 10 of 21 industries.
Meanwhile, Statistics Canada also reported that the number of new motor vehicles sold in February declined 6.7 percent to 141,589 units, and preliminary industry data indicate March sales slipped another 2 percent.