The Canadian economy grew an annualized rate of 3.6% in the third quarter, up from a growth rate of 3.4% in the previous quarter.

The export growth was propelled mainly by automotive products, and agriculture and fishing products.

Statistics Canada said total exports were up 2.5%, powered by a 7% jump in automotive exports.

While exports grew, consumer spending, which had been the main driver in economic growth for much of this year, continued to slow. Personal expenditures grew by 0.6% in the third quarter, which grew by 1.5% in the first quarter and 0.7% in the April-June period.

On a monthly basis, economic growth went flat in September, after increasing 0.5% in August and 0.3% in July. Industrial production, which includes the output of factories, mines and utilities, fell by 0.5% in September due to weakness in the manufacturing sector.