OTTAWA — Statistics Canada says manufacturing sales fell 0.6 per in October to $52.7 billion. This is the second dro this year. Key contributors included lower production of aerospace product and parts and a decrease in primary metal sales.

(Source: Statistics Canada)

Production of aerospace products and parts fell 15.6 per cent to $1.6 billion in October, following a 17.4 per cent increase in September. Lower production was widespread in the industry.

Sales were also lower in the primary metals industry, down 5.5 per cent to $4.1 billion. Despite the decline, sales in October were the second highest of any month in 2014, and 14.6 per cent higher than in October 2013.

Statistics Canada says notwithstanding the lower overall sales, manufacturers in 15 of 21 industries, representing more than 60 per cent of total manufacturing, reported higher sales in October. Excluding the aerospace product and parts, and primary metals industries, sales in the manufacturing sector rose 0.4 per cent.

It says sales in constant dollars fell 0.5 per cent, indicating that a lower volume of manufactured goods was sold. New orders also  fell 1.9 per cent to $53.2 billion, as a result of a decline in the transportation equipment and primary metal industries.

SOURCE Statistics Canada