Canadian wholesale sales posted a modest rebound in May with most sectors registering gains after April’s sharp decline.

Statistics Canada reported today that overall sales rose 0.6% to $43.1 billion in May, offsetting some of April’s 3% drop.

Five of the seven wholesale sectors reported higher sales in May, with the largest gains observed in machinery and electronic equipment, up 2.1%, and “other products” (1.9).

More modest rises were recorded by wholesalers of building materials, personal and household goods and automotive products.

These gains were partially offset by lower sales in the food, beverages and tobacco products sector, which posted its first decline of 2007, and the farm products sector.

Taking price fluctuations into account, the volume of sales in constant dollars rose 1.4% in May to $44.5 billion.