Sales by Canadian wholesalers grew for the third consecutive month in April, Statistics Canada said today.

The government agency said sales were up 0.9% to $39.4 billion, led by what the agency calls its other-products category.

The category, which includes items such as chemicals and farm supplies, grew by 6.8%, boosted by sales to China.

Auto product sales also had a good month, rising by 3.5%.

Sales fell in the categories of machinery and electronics, food, beverages and tobacco products.

StatsCan said total wholesale sales have generally been rising since September 2003, with strength in most trade groups.

http://www.statcan.ca/Daily/English/050617/d050617a.htm