According to Statistics Canada, the Industrial Product Price Index (IPPI) declined 0.5 percent in August, after increasing 0.2 percent in July. Of the 21 major commodity groups, two were up, 11 were down and eight were unchanged.
Prices for motorized and recreational vehicles fell 0.3 percent in August, mainly because of lower prices for passenger cars and light trucks (-0.3 percent), motor vehicle engines and motor vehicle parts (-0.2 percent), and aircraft (-0.4 percent). Lower prices for motorized and recreational vehicles were closely linked to the appreciation of the Canadian dollar relative to the US dollar.
The IPPI declined 1.3 percent over the 12-month period ending in August, after falling 1.3 percent in July.
The Raw Materials Price Index (RMPI) fell 0.7 percent in August, after declining 2.7 percent in July. Of the six major commodity groups, one was up, and five were down.
The RMPI posted its first year-over-year gain since July 2014, increasing 0.6 percent in August. The increase in the RMPI in August was partially the result of higher prices for metal ores, concentrates and scrap (+5.5 percent).