Manufacturing sales fell 0.8% in October, StatsCan says

OTTAWA — Statistics Canada says manufacturing sales fell 0.8% to $51 billion in October, including declines in the primary metal, petroleum and coal product, and machinery industries.

Economists had expected a gain of 0.4% for the month, according to Thomson Reuters.

October’s decline followed two consecutive monthly gains.

Sales fell in 15 of the 21 industries tracked by Statistics Canada, representing 61% of the manufacturing sector.

Durable goods fell 1.1%, while non-durable goods sales dropped 0.4%.

Constant dollar sales fell 1.7% in October, reflecting a lower volume of manufactured goods sold.