Statistics Canada today reported that wholesale sales rebounded in May after declining in April.

The government agency said wholesale sales 0.9% in May to $41.8 billion, after declining 0.3% in April, with more than half the May increase in the automotive sector.

With auto sales excluded, wholesale sales rose 0.5%.

The agency said wholesalers of auto products saw a 2.3% rise, while the other main contributor was building materials, where sales rose 1.8%.

Only the farm products sector registered a decrease, falling 7.8%.

Wholesale sales of motor vehicle parts and accessories rebounded 3.9% in May after falling in March and April.

Six provinces exceeded national growth.

Prince Edward Island wholesalers posted a strong sales increase of 9.3% in May compared with April.

Sales in Newfoundland and Labrador rose 4.1%, British Columbia was up 2.5% and Nova Scotia 2.0%. Ontario sales grew 1.3%, Manitoba by 1.2%.