Manufacturing sales rose 5.5% in July to $41.4 billion, adding to the 2.2% increase reported in June, Statistics Canada said Wednesday.

StatsCan said the July jump came with improved performances in the motor vehicle, motor vehicle parts and primary metals industries.

Production in the motor vehicle industry rose 48.2% in July to $3.3 billion, as some assembly lines resumed production following extended shutdowns.

However, overall July sales were still 22.4% below the $53.3 billion recorded a year earlier.

Excluding the motor vehicle assembly and motor vehicle parts industries, manufacturing sales increased 2.1%. Sales in 15 of 21 manufacturing industries increased in July, representing 66% of total sales.

IE