Manufacturing
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Manufacturing sales rose for a fourth straight month in January, up 1.7% to $73.0 billion, according to Statistics Canada.

In constant dollars, overall manufacturing sales increased 0.9% in January. 

Motor vehicle industry sales were up 11.1%, while petroleum and coal product subsector sales rose 4.7% on a month-over-month basis. 

These gains were partly offset by declines in chemical product sales, which were down 7.4% from the month prior. 

On an annual basis, total manufacturing sales increased 3.0% for the month.

Wholesale sales also rose during January, up 1.2% to $85.1 billion, StatCan said.  

Sales increased in five of seven subsectors, the national statistical agency said, representing 77.6% of total wholesale sales. 

The largest wholesale sales increases were in the motor vehicle and motor vehicle parts and accessories subsector, which were up 3.7%, and the building material and supplies subsector, up 3.5%.  

On a year-over-year basis, wholesale sales were 2.7% higher in January.  

In volume terms, wholesale sales (excluding petroleum, petroleum products, and other hydrocarbons and excluding oilseed and grain) increased 0.8% in the month, StatCan said.

The latest figures come amid the ongoing trade war between Canada and the U.S., which many fear will serve a major blow to the North American manufacturing sector.