OTTAWA Statistics Canada says manufacturing sales increased 0.7 per cent to $48.6 billion in May the second gain in five months.

The agency says higher sales in the chemical industry were a large part of the gains.

Sales were up in 11 of 21 industries, representing about 57 per cent of manufacturing.

In constant dollars, manufacturing sales were up 0.7 per cent as sales volumes rose in May.

Sales of durable goods increased 1.3 per cent and non-durable goods increased by 0.2 per cent.

Sales rose in six provinces in May, with the largest gains in Ontario, Alberta and Saskatchewan.