Real gross domestic product was unchanged in April
June 30, 2010
after seven consecutive monthly increases. A large decline in retail trade and smaller declines in manufacturing and utilities were offset by increases in mining, wholesale trade and, to a lesser extent, the public sector and construction. The finance and insurance sector was unchanged.
Retail trade retreats
Retail trade fell 1.7% in April, following a 1.9% gain in March. Significantly lower volume of activity was recorded by retailers in the automotive sector, notably by new car dealers. Clothing and accessories stores also retreated sharply after growing significantly during the preceding months.
With this release of monthly GDP by industry, revisions have been made back to January 2009. For more information about monthly GDP by industry, see the National economic accounts module on our website (www.statcan.gc.ca/nea-cen/index-eng.htm).
Manufacturing decreases
Manufacturing (-0.3%) declined for the first time since August 2009, with 11 of the 21 major groups retreating. Manufacturers of non-durable goods reduced their production by 1.2%, notably those of pharmaceuticals, printing and food products.
Conversely, manufacturing of durable goods increased 0.4%. In particular, machinery, primary metal as well as motor vehicle and associated parts manufacturing increased. On the other hand, the production of miscellaneous and fabricated metal products declined.
Mining and oil and gas extraction increases
Mining and oil and gas extraction increased 0.5% in April. The production of oil advanced for the month, while natural gas extraction receded. Production rose at some oil extraction facilities that have been experiencing production difficulties since December. Support activities for mining, oil and gas extraction also rose.
Output of gold and silver ore mines as well as that of miscellaneous non-metallic mineral mines (which include diamond mines) decreased. On the other hand, the output of potash mines continued its upward trend.
Wholesale trade up
Wholesale trade advanced 0.6% in April. Notable increases were recorded by wholesalers of petroleum products and apparel. Conversely, the wholesaling of automotive products and buildings materials declined.
Utilities decline
The utilities sector (-0.7%) decreased for a second month in a row, as the demand for electricity and households' consumption of natural gas declined.
Other sectors
Some tourism-related industries retreated in April, such as arts, entertainment and recreation services as well as accommodation and food services, mirroring a 1.7% drop in the number of overnight international travellers to Canada.
Construction was up 0.1% in April. Non-residential building construction and engineering and repair works increased, while residential construction dropped. The output of real estate agents and brokers decreased for a fourth consecutive month.