Wholesale sales remained stable in June, up just +0.1%, as wholesalers sold $34.5 billion worth of goods and services according to Statistics Canada.

Despite this pause, growth remained strong in the second quarter at 2.1%, following a vigorous first-quarter increase of 2.9%. This was the first time since the second half of 1999 that two consecutive quarters recorded growth surpassing 2%.

StatsCan says the robust performance since November 2001 contrasts with a relatively flat sales period for wholesale trade from the spring of 2000 to October 2001.

Overall, six of the 11 sectors posted an increase in June. Sectors dependent on the performance of the construction and renovation market showed substantial increases. Lumber and building materials rose 3.3%, while metals, hardware, plumbing and heating equipment and supplies climbed 2.6%.

Sales of motor vehicles and automotive parts dropped 2.1% in June. Even so, sales remained 3.5% higher than they were in June 2001.

Wholesale sales of household goods dropped slightly, down 0.2%, the first decline since September 2001

Sales of industrial products rose 1% in June. Strong sales in professional machinery, equipment and supplies accounted for most of the growth in June.
http://www.statcan.ca/Daily/English/020820/d020820b.htm