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April 23, 2018

CANADA ECONOMICS



CANADA - UK



Prime Minister concludes successful trip to London London, United Kingdom - April 20, 2018

The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today concluded his visit to London, United Kingdom (UK), where he attended the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), and promoted progressive trade that creates economic growth for all, addressed climate change and ocean protection, and emphasized the importance of values like gender equality, inclusion, and respect for diversity.

During his visit, Prime Minister Trudeau met with the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Theresa May, to grow the already strong economic and trade partnership between our two countries. The two leaders restated their commitment to a seamless transition on free trade as the UK exits the European Union.

They later participated in a security meeting, alongside the Prime Minister of New Zealand, Jacinda Ardern, and the Prime Minister of Australia, Malcolm Turnbull, to discuss pressing international issues, including cybersecurity, the situation in Syria, and how we work together to keep our countries and communities safe.

While in London, the Prime Minister was received by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II at Buckingham Palace, where he thanked her personally for her continued dedication and service to Canada.

At an event hosted by the Mayor of London, Sadiq Aman Khan, and the Fawcett Society, Prime Minister Trudeau joined Mayor Khan, Prime Minister Ardern, and young people from across London to mark the 100th anniversary since the first women received the right to vote in the UK, and discuss the importance of gender equality.

At CHOGM, the Prime Minister underlined Canada’s commitment to address climate change, protect our oceans, and deliver economic growth that creates jobs and benefits everyone. He also reiterated the need to strengthen the Commonwealth’s role in protecting and promoting universal values of democracy, human rights – including LGBTQ2 rights – and the rule of law.

Commonwealth leaders endorsed the Commonwealth Blue Charter, which calls for ambitious and coordinated action to promote the sustainable use of coastal and ocean resources, and protect and preserve our world’s oceans. The Prime Minister announced that Canada will become a Commonwealth Blue Charter Champion on oceans observation, a fitting role as oceans protection is a key theme of Canada’s G7 Presidency.

On the margins of CHOGM, Canada committed to further support other Commonwealth nations to advance human rights and improve the lives of LGBTQ2 people. Canada will provide more than $300,000 to help Commonwealth small states more actively participate in multilateral human rights organizations, such as the United Nations Human Rights Council.

The Prime Minister also hosted a roundtable discussion with leaders of Commonwealth small islands and coastal states. Canada committed to provide $3.35 million to promote economic and political participation for women in the Pacific Islands, and increase women’s presence in disaster preparedness and the fight against climate change.

Finally, the Prime Minister held bilateral meetings with other Commonwealth leaders, including Paul Kagame, President of Rwanda, Uhuru Kenyatta, President of Kenya, Filipe Nyusi, President of Mozambique, and Cyril Ramaphosa, President of South Africa, to further strengthen Canada’s relationship with African nations.

Quotes

“The UK is among Canada’s closest friends and most important partners. We unite in our shared history, family ties, and unwavering commitment to democratic values. We will continue to set the stage for an even closer economic partnership, and create greater opportunities for citizens of Canada and the UK alike.”

—The Rt. Hon. Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada

“CHOGM is a unique and valuable forum that brings leaders from every corner of the globe together. I thank my Commonwealth counterparts for the productive discussions over the last few days. Working together, we can play an important role in addressing the most pressing challenges of our time – like fighting climate change, eradicating poverty, and building a truly gender equal world.”

—The Rt. Hon. Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada

Quick Facts
  • The UK is one of Canada’s closest friends and allies. Beyond a shared heritage, the UK is one of Canada’s largest trading and investment partners, and a significant partner in diplomacy, development, defence cooperation, law enforcement, and intelligence. In 2017, two-way merchandise trade between Canada and the UK totaled more than $26.5 billion, making the UK Canada’s fifth-largest merchandise trade partner.
  • Commonwealth heads of government meet every two years to review the implementation of previous mandates, and share practical strategies to address global challenges.
  • The four pillars of CHOGM 2018 are fairness, sustainability, prosperity, and security, which aim to benefit the more than 2.4 billion people that make up the Commonwealth.
See also :


G-7



Global Affairs Canada. April 21, 2018. Itinerary for Canada’s Foreign Affairs Minister during G7 in Toronto

The Honourable Chrystia Freeland, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and the Honourable Ralph Goodale, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, will co-host a meeting of G7 Foreign and Security Ministers on Building a More Peaceful and Secure World. The G7 Foreign Ministers will meet on April 22 and 23, 2018, followed by the G7 Security Ministers meeting on April 23 and 24. The meeting will also include a joint session on April 23 with both Foreign and Security Ministers.

Schedule of events for April 22:
Event: Foreign Ministers’ brunch hosted by Canada’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Chrystia Freeland
Location: Minister Freeland’s private residence
Time: 9:15 a.m. ET
Notes for media: Closed to media. Host photographer only.
Pavlo Klimkin, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, will be in attendance

Event: G7 Outreach Session
Welcome and Blessing offered by Indigenous elder
Discussion with Women Foreign Ministers
Time: 11:15 a.m. ET
Location: University of Toronto
Notes for media: Opening remarks open to media pool only. Live Videocast streaming information for media available here: http://www.international.gc.ca/gac-amc/news-nouvelles/g7_fmm_livestream-g7_rmae_diffusion_video.aspx?lang=eng
Pooled media should arrive no later than 10:45 a.m. and will be asked to present their media accreditation badges.
Attendees:
María Ángela Holguín Cuéllar, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Colombia
Kamina Johnson Smith, Senator and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Jamaica
Shirley Ayorkor Botchway, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ghana
Marija Pejčinović Burić, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign and European Affairs, Croatia
Isabel de Saint Malo de Alvarado, Vice President and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Panama
Sandra Erica Jovel Polanco, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Guatemala
María Fernanda Espinosa, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ecuador
Yoko Hayashi, Current member and former chair, UN Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women
Christine Whitecross, Canadian Armed Forces Lieutenant-General, commandant of the NATO Defense College in Rome

Event: Foreign Ministers’ Working Lunch
Key topics: Russia, Ukraine
Time: 1:15 p.m. ET
Notes for media: Closed to media.

Event: Foreign Ministers’ Working Session
Key topics: Middle East (Syria, Iraq, Iran and region, Israeli-Palestinian conflict)
Time: 2:30 p.m. ET
Location: University of Toronto
Notes for media: Opening remarks open to media pool only. Live Videocast streaming information for media available here: http://www.international.gc.ca/gac-amc/news-nouvelles/g7_fmm_livestream-g7_rmae_diffusion_video.aspx?lang=eng
Pooled media should arrive no later than 2 p.m. and will be asked to present their media accreditation badges.

Event: Foreign Ministers’ Working Session
Key topics: North Korea, Non-Proliferation and Disarmament, Myanmar, Venezuela
Time: 4 p.m. ET
Notes for media: Closed to media.

Event: G7 Foreign Ministers will arrive at the Royal Ontario Museum and then participate in an official family photo. At the ROM, Ministers will tour an Indigenous exhibition and view a performance by students from the Royal Conservatory of Music.
Time: 7 p.m. ET
Location: Royal Ontario Museum, 100 Queen’s Park, Toronto, Ontario
Notes for media: Arrivals and family photo open to media. Live stream feeds available here: http://www.international.gc.ca/gac-amc/news-nouvelles/g7_fmm_livestream-g7_rmae_diffusion_video.aspx?lang=eng
Media must arrive no later than 6 p.m. and will be asked to present their media accreditation badges.

Event: Foreign Ministers’ Official Working Dinner
Key topics: China, Maritime Security
Time: 7:45 p.m. ET
Notes for media: Closed to media.

End of day’s program

Schedule of events for April 23:
Event: Foreign Ministers’ Working Session
Key topics: Africa (North Africa and the Mediterranean, Sub-Saharan Africa), Human Mobility
Time: 8:30 a.m. ET
Notes for media: Closed to media.

Event: Foreign Ministers’ Working Session
Key topics: Conflict Prevention and Support for UN Peace Efforts and Reforms, Cyber, Counterterrorism and Countering Violent Extremism
Time: 10:15 a.m. ET
Notes for media: Closed to media.

Event: Press Conference by the G7 host, Canada’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Chrystia Freeland
Time: 11:30 a.m. ET
Location: Convocation Hall, University of Toronto

Notes for media: Open to media. Live Videocast streaming information for media available here: http://www.international.gc.ca/gac-amc/news-nouvelles/g7_fmm_livestream-g7_rmae_diffusion_video.aspx?lang=eng
Media should arrive no later than 10:30 a.m. and will be asked to present their media accreditation badges.

Foreign Ministers’ and Security Ministers’ Joint Program

Event: Foreign Ministers’ and Security Ministers’ Joint Working Lunch
Key topics: Reinforcing Democracy (against foreign interference), Russia, Managing Extremist Travellers (returning foreign terrorist fighters)
Time: 12:30 p.m. ET
Notes for media: Closed to media.

Event: Joint Family Photo – Foreign and Security Ministers;
Time: 3 p.m. ET
Location: Main Lobby, InterContinental Hotel
Notes for media: Open to media. Live Videocast streaming information for media available here: http://www.international.gc.ca/gac-amc/news-nouvelles/g7_fmm_livestream-g7_rmae_diffusion_video.aspx?lang=eng
Media should arrive no later than 2:30 p.m. and will be asked to present their media accreditation badges.

Event: Joint media availability with the G7 hosts, Canada’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Chrystia Freeland and Public Safety Minister, Ralph Goodale
Time: 3:30 p.m. ET
Location: Constitution Hall 107, Metro Toronto Convention Centre
Notes for media: Open to media. Live Videocast streaming information for media available here: http://www.international.gc.ca/gac-amc/news-nouvelles/g7_fmm_livestream-g7_rmae_diffusion_video.aspx?lang=eng
Media should arrive no later than 2:30 p.m. and will be asked to present their media accreditation badges.

End of official program for Foreign Ministers

THE GLOBE AND MAIL. APRIL 23, 2018. G7 to start special group to scrutinize Russia: British Foreign Secretary
MICHELLE ZILIO, PARLIAMENTARY REPORTER

TORONTO - Group of Seven countries will set up a special group to examine Russia’s “malign behaviour,” including its assassination attempts on foreign soil, cyber warfare activities and disinformation campaigns, British Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson announced in Toronto Monday.

Speaking to reporters at the G7 foreign affairs and security ministers’ meeting, Mr. Johnson said he and his counterparts agreed to establish the working group following a nerve-agent attack on a former Russian spy and his daughter in Salisbury, England, last month. He said the group will work together to look at Russia’s aggression and “collectively try and call it out.”

“Russia is so unbelievably clever at kind of sowing doubt and confusion and spreading all this fake news and trying to muddy the waters. So we think there’s a role for the G7 in just trying to provide some clarity about what we all collectively think the Russians are doing in terms of malign behaviour,” Mr. Johnson said.

Mr. Johnson said talks at the ministerial meeting, which is taking place at the University of Toronto, have focused on the response to the Salisbury attack, particularly the co-ordinated action taken by 28 countries to expel more than 150 Russian diplomats in March. As a part of that joint effort, Canada expelled four Russian diplomats and denied three applications from the Russian government for additional diplomatic staff; Russia retaliated soon after, ordering the expulsion of four Canadian diplomats.

The foreign secretary also expressed Britain’s support for the Iran nuclear deal, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, boosting French President Emmanuel Macron’s anticipated pitch to U.S. President Donald Trump to support the agreement; the leaders are meeting in Washington Monday. Mr. Trump has promised to scrap the Iran deal if European countries fail to strengthen it by the middle of May.

On North Korea, Mr. Johnson said he thinks CIA director Mike Pompeo made the right decision when he met with the Hermit Kingdom leader Kim Jong-un over Easter weekend. Mr. Pompeo is Mr. Trump’s pick to become the next secretary of state, but will not be at the Toronto meeting, as he is in the midst of confirmation hearings for his new appointment.

“The question must be whether Kim Jong-un is actually interested in negotiation, interested in taking his country forward, interested in denuclearization in the way that he says. We must be hopeful … but I think in view of the history of North Korea’s nuclear program after the last couple of decades, we can also be excused for being a bit cautious,” Mr. Johnson said.

Canada is playing host to G7 foreign affairs and security ministers in Toronto until Tuesday, ahead of the leaders’ summit in Charlevoix, Que., this June.


INTERNATIONAL TRADE



Global Affairs Canada. April 23, 2018. First meeting of multi-stakeholder Advisory Body on Responsible Business Conduct abroad

Ottawa, Ontario - The Government of Canada is committed to initiating a new era of cooperation between government, industry and civil society on responsible business conduct (RBC) abroad, and ensuring that Canadians can have confidence in our world-class companies and trust that international trade and investment is working for all.

Today, the Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of International Trade, will hold the inaugural meeting as chair of Canada’s multi-stakeholder Advisory Body on Responsible Business Conduct. The Advisory Board comprises Honourary Chair John Ruggie and 14 members with broad expertise and views on human rights in business activities around the world.

Members of the Advisory Body will work together to identify areas where Canada could further advance its approach on RBC abroad in all sectors, ensuring respect for human rights, fostering economic growth and ensuring that Canadian companies and Canada are at the forefront of RBC.

The Advisory Body will also provide advice on emerging developments related to corporate accountability and responsibility, and help shape the operating procedures of the Canadian Ombudsperson for Responsible Enterprises.

The creation of the Advisory Body, announced on January 17, 2018, represents another element of Canada’s progressive trade agenda, which is about ensuring that all segments of society benefit from the opportunities that flow from trade and investment while respecting the values and rights that Canadians expect from Canadian businesses.

Quotes

“The Advisory Body will help further the work that Canada does with companies, communities, civil society organizations and host countries to advance responsible business practices. It will also support Canada’s commitment to ensuring Canadians can trust that Canada is a global leader in responsible business, which is a competitive advantage in today’s marketplace.”

- François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of International Trade

Backgrounder

Members of the multi-stakeholder Advisory Body on Responsible Business Conduct

The multi-stakeholder Advisory Body on Responsible Business Conduct comprises members representing a diversity of viewpoints and expertise, including from civil society and industry, with practical experience working on responsible business conduct (RBC) issues and reflective of various viewpoints in Canadian society:

Chair - The Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of International Trade

Honourary chair - John Ruggie, Berthold Beitz Professor in Human Rights and International Affairs, Harvard Kennedy School

  • Jackie King, Chief Operating Officer, Canadian Chamber of Commerce (vice chair of the Advisory Body)
  • Alex Neve, Secretary General, Amnesty International Canada (vice chair of the Advisory Body)
  • Phillip “Jerry” Asp, President, Gray Wolf Solutions Ltd.; CEO and Chairperson, Global Indigenous Development Trust
  • Michèle Asselin, Executive Director, Association Québécoise des Organismes de Coopération Internationale [association of Quebec international cooperation organizations]
  • Ben Chalmers, Vice President, Sustainable Development, Mining Association of Canada
  • Emily Dwyer, Coordinator, Canadian Network on Corporate Accountability
  • Bob Kirke, Executive Director, Canadian Apparel Federation
  • Harry Kits, Senior Director, Advocacy and Government Engagement, World Vision Canada
  • Tim McMillan, President and CEO, Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers
  • Chris Moran, Director General, Trade Strategy and Portfolio Coordination, Global Affairs Canada (ex officio)
  • Emily Norgang, Senior Researcher, Canadian Labour Congress
  • Doug Olthuis, Department Head, Global Affairs and Workplace Issues, United Steelworkers
  • Lesley Williams, Director, Policy and Programs, Prospectors & Developers Association of Canada
  • Elana Wright, Advocacy and Research Program Officer, Development and Peace

Multi-stakeholder Advisory Body on Responsible Business Conduct abroad: http://www.international.gc.ca/trade-agreements-accords-commerciaux/topics-domaines/other-autre/advisory_body-groupe_consultatif.aspx?lang=eng
The Government of Canada brings leadership to responsible business conduct abroad: https://www.canada.ca/en/global-affairs/news/2018/01/the_government_ofcanadabringsleadershiptoresponsiblebusinesscond.html
Responsible Business Conduct Abroad: http://www.international.gc.ca/trade-agreements-accords-commerciaux/topics-domaines/other-autre/csr-rse.aspx?lang=eng



NAFTA



BLOOMBERG. 23 April 2018. Nafta Ministers Set to Meet Again Amid Intensified Push for Deal
By Eric Martin

  • Cabinet negotiators will meet for third time in as many weeks
  • ‘Permanent’ round of talks aimed at hammering out a framework

Senior trade officials from the U.S., Canada and Mexico will meet again in Washington in an intensified push to reach a Nafta agreement in the next few weeks.

Talks will pick up on Tuesday, after cabinet-level members vowed on Friday to keep up the momentum following consultations with their technical teams over the weekend. Mexican Economy Minister Ildefonso Guajardo said last week that after seven months of discussions, the three sides have entered a concentrated phase where “my negotiating team is practically living in Washington.” Still, major differences remain over key U.S. demands.

Mexico scored a separate commercial victory over the weekend with a deal in principle to update a 17-year-old free-trade agreement with the European Union. Guajardo jetted to Brussels to help close the deal.

Chrystia Freeland, Canada’s minister for foreign affairs, said Friday that North American Free Trade Agreement negotiators have been making good progress on updated rules for cars, which she said will be at the heart of any eventual updated Nafta.

“We have had some very energetic and productive conversations,” Freeland told reporters on the steps of the U.S. Trade Representative’s office following meetings with her counterparts. “We are certainly in a more intense period of negotiations, and we are making good progress.”

Immigration Controls

U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday said again that he could make Mexican-immigration curbs a condition of a new Nafta deal, highlighting that a deal is still far from certain.
Trump in a Twitter post said Mexico “must stop people from going through Mexico and into the U.S,” adding “We may make this a condition of the new NAFTA Agreement. Our Country cannot accept what is happening!”

Foreign Minister Luis Videgaray responded it’s unacceptable to demand that Mexico tie changes to its “sovereign” immigration policy to an updated trade pact.

“Mexico decides its immigration policy in a sovereign manner, and the migration cooperation with the U.S. takes place in such a way that Mexico agrees,” Videgaray said on Twitter.

Cars, Agriculture

This week’s talks are set to be the broadest and biggest since the final official negotiating round in Mexico City in early March, according to a preliminary agenda obtained by Bloomberg. Topics include automotive rules, agriculture, and legal and institutional matters such as dispute settlement mechanisms.

Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto traveled to Germany over the weekend to meet with Chancellor Angela Merkel at the Hannover Messe, a huge industry show where Mexico is the chosen partner country this year. Deepening ties with the EU is part of Mexico’s push to diversify beyond the U.S., the destination for 72 percent of the nation’s $435 billion in exports last year. Pena Nieto said he’s optimistic he’ll have good news to announce from the Nafta talks.

The EU is an attractive target for export expansion for Mexico, in part because many countries in the bloc have consumers with comparable wealth and spending habits to those of the U.S. The EU in recent years also inked a free-trade agreement with Canada, which was implemented in 2017.

Mexico’s negotiations with the EU began almost two years ago, and technical teams will continue to iron out the details, both sides said Saturday. Analysts have speculated that something similar could happen on Nafta, with an agreement in principle coming in the next few weeks while technical teams continue to work on the fine print.

Trump’s negotiators, led by U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer, have been pushing for a deal by early May. That would meet U.S. timelines for having an agreement approved, at the latest, by the lame-duck session that will follow mid-term congressional elections in November, said two people familiar with the negotiations. Guajardo this month said he sees an 80 percent chance of an agreement by the first week of May. Negotiators are also rushing for a deal as Mexico approaches elections on July 1.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is keeping expectations modest, warning that recent signs of progress don’t mean a deal is imminent.

“There’s positive advances that have been made, but it’s not over ’til it’s over,” Trudeau told reporters in Halifax, Nova Scotia, on Saturday.

— With assistance by Josh Wingrove, and Danielle Bochove



WHOLESALE TRADE



StatCan. 2018-04-23. Wholesale trade, February 2018


Wholesale sales declined 0.8% to $62.8 billion in February, the largest downward movement and the second monthly drop since September 2017. Lower sales were recorded in four of seven subsectors, representing 64% of total wholesale sales. The miscellaneous and the motor vehicle and parts subsectors contributed the most to the decline.

In volume terms, wholesale sales decreased 0.9% from January to February.

Chart 1: Wholesale sales decrease in February
Chart 1: Wholesale sales decrease in February

February decline attributable to decreases in four of seven subsectors

The miscellaneous subsector reported the largest decline in dollar terms in February, declining 3.7% to $7.7 billion. This was the second decrease in three months, bringing the subsector to its lowest level since December 2016. The agricultural supplies industry recorded the only decline within the miscellaneous subsector, down 16.8% to $1.8 billion. The decrease in February saw the industry fall to its lowest level since November 2014.

Sales in the motor vehicle and parts subsector fell 2.1% to $11.3 billion, a fourth decline in five months. Decreases were recorded in two of three industries, with the motor vehicle industry contributing the most (-2.6% to $9.0 billion). This was the fifth consecutive monthly decline for the motor vehicle industry.

Wholesalers in the building material and supplies subsector posted a 0.4% decrease in February, to $8.8 billion. Lower sales in the subsector were mostly attributable to the lumber, millwork, hardware and other building supplies industry (-1.7% to $4.3 billion).

Meanwhile, sales in the personal and household goods subsector were up 0.8% to $8.7 billion, on the strength of gains in four of six industries. The home furnishings (+8.1%) and personal goods (+4.0%) industries contributed the most to the growth.

Sales down in seven provinces, led by Ontario

Sales in Ontario fell for the second time in three months, down 1.1% to $32.3 billion in February. Three of seven subsectors recorded declines, led by the food, beverage and tobacco subsector. This subsector decreased 4.9% to $5.1 billion in February, nearly offsetting the 5.8% increase in January. The motor vehicle and parts subsector declined 2.9% to $7.8 billion, a fifth consecutive monthly decrease. The miscellaneous subsector fell for the second consecutive month, down 1.4% to $3.9 billion.

In Manitoba, wholesale sales declined 3.7% to $1.6 billion, a third decrease in four months. Five of seven subsectors declined, with the miscellaneous subsector accounting for the majority of the decrease. This subsector fell for the third time in four months, down 13.8% to $335 million, its lowest value since December 2015.

Sales in Saskatchewan declined for the fourth consecutive month, down 2.6% to $2.1 billion. Two of seven subsectors fell, with the miscellaneous subsector accounting for the majority of the decline, dropping 13.3% to $660 million and down 7.9% year over year.

Nova Scotia was one of three Atlantic provinces recording an increase in sales, up 4.0% to $843 million and led by the motor vehicle and parts subsector (+7.9%).

Wholesale inventories remain unchanged in February

Wholesale inventories were unchanged at $83.6 billion in February. Lower inventories in three subsectors, representing 60% of wholesale inventories, were offset by higher inventory levels in the other subsectors.

Chart 2: Inventories unchanged in February
Chart 2: Inventories unchanged in February

In dollar terms, the motor vehicle and parts subsector (-2.5%) posted the largest decline. Lower inventory levels in the motor vehicle industry (-3.6%) contributed the most to the decline.

Inventories in the building material and supplies subsector (-0.4%) declined for a third consecutive month.

The personal and household goods subsector had the largest gain in dollar terms, up 1.9%. The increase was mostly attributable to elevated inventories in the pharmaceuticals and pharmacy supplies industry (+3.1%).

Inventories in the miscellaneous subsector rose 1.6% on the strength of higher inventories in the agriculture supplies (+1.5%) and chemical (except agriculture) and allied products (+4.3%) industries.

The inventory-to-sales ratio increased from 1.32 in January to 1.33 in February due to a decrease in sales. This ratio is a measure of the time in months required to exhaust inventories if sales were to remain at their current level.

Table 081-0011 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
Wholesale trade, sales by the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS)
monthly (dollars x 1,000)


Data table

The data below is a part of CANSIM table  081-0011.  Use the  Add/Remove data  tab to customize your table.

Selected items [Add/Remove data]
Geography = Canada

North American Industry Classification System (NAICS)Adjustments20172018
OctoberNovemberDecemberJanuaryFebruary
footnotes
Wholesale trade [41]Unadjusted65,598,859A65,499,187A58,604,719A57,176,667A54,394,024A
Seasonally adjusted63,201,116A63,284,539A63,075,659A63,286,799A62,804,208A
Farm product merchant wholesalers [411]Unadjusted1,080,694A1,149,746A716,981A663,370A753,470A
Seasonally adjusted827,312A838,113A768,773A772,086A792,710A
Food, beverage and tobacco merchant wholesalers [413]Unadjusted12,212,645A12,388,992A12,244,012A11,363,100A10,728,026A
Seasonally adjusted11,996,576A12,199,956A11,977,450A12,372,882A12,365,523A
Personal and household goods merchant wholesalers [414]Unadjusted9,757,295A9,770,169A8,092,686A8,359,730A7,833,866A
Seasonally adjusted8,805,831A8,784,542A8,610,829A8,677,160A8,744,633A
Motor vehicle and parts merchant wholesalers [415]Unadjusted11,944,505A11,873,286A9,567,888A9,988,016A9,786,367A
Seasonally adjusted11,846,262A11,845,028A11,704,033A11,506,124A11,260,600A
Building material and supplies merchant wholesalers [416]Unadjusted9,598,236A9,352,149A7,632,985A7,975,841A7,586,512A
Seasonally adjusted9,006,787A9,034,690A9,207,134A8,833,688A8,801,656A
Machinery, equipment and supplies merchant wholesalers [417]Unadjusted13,472,873A13,124,253A13,172,827A11,745,880A11,200,776A
Seasonally adjusted12,726,954A12,453,031A12,872,709A13,088,440A13,100,667A
Miscellaneous merchant wholesalers [418]Unadjusted7,532,610A7,840,592A7,177,341A7,080,730A6,505,008A
Seasonally adjusted7,991,393A8,129,180A7,934,732A8,036,420A7,738,420A

Footnotes:

1.
The total for farm product merchant wholesalers excludes oilseed and grain.
2.
This CANSIM table replaces archived table 081-0007 and 081-0010.
3.
Quality indicator: Code A=Excellent. Code B=Very good. Code C=Good. Code D=Acceptable. Code E=Poor, use with caution. Code F=Unreliable (data not published).
4.
Data for Northwest Territories includes Nunavut, from 1993-01 to 1998-12.
5.
In May 2017, monthly wholesale trade estimates will be based on a new sample. Seasonally adjusted estimates will be revised back to 2009. Unadjusted estimates will be revised back to 2012.
Source:  Statistics Canada. Table  081-0011 -  Wholesale trade, sales by the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS), monthly (dollars),  CANSIM (database). (accessed: )

FULL DOCUMENT: http://www.statcan.gc.ca/daily-quotidien/180423/dq180423a-eng.pdf

THE GLOBE AND MAIL. THE CANADIAN PRESS. APRIL 23, 2018. Canadian wholesale sales drop 0.8 per cent in February

Statistics Canada says wholesale sales fell 0.8 per cent to $62.8 billion in February.

The agency says it was the largest downward move and the second monthly drop since September 2017.

Sales fell in four of the seven subsectors tracked, representing 64 per cent of total wholesale sales.

In volume terms, wholesale sales fell 0.9 per cent.

The miscellaneous subsector posted the largest drop in dollar terms in February as it fell 3.7 per cent to $7.7 billion. Sales in the motor vehicle and parts subsector fell 2.1 per cent to $11.3 billion.

Meanwhile, sales in the personal and household goods subsector rose 0.8 per cent to $8.7 billion.

REUTERS. APRIL 23, 2018. Canada February wholesale trade falls unexpectedly

OTTAWA (Reuters) - Canadian wholesale trade fell unexpectedly in February as declines in the motor vehicle and parts and miscellaneous sectors offset increases in personal and household goods, data from Statistics Canada showed on Monday.

The 0.8 percent drop in the value of wholesale trade bucked economists’ forecasts for a 0.5 percent increase. January was upwardly revised to show an increase of 0.3 percent from the initially reported 0.1 percent increase.

Sales were down in four out of seven sectors in February, accounting for 64 percent of wholesale trade. Removing the effects of price changes, sales volumes were down 0.9 percent.

Reporting by Andrea Hopkins



ECONOMY



StatCan. 2018-04-23. Recent developments in the Canadian economy, Spring 2018
 
The article "Recent Developments in the Canadian Economy," which is released semi-annually as part of the Economic Insights series, provides an integrated summary of recent changes in output, employment, household demand, international trade and prices.

Organized as a statistical summary of major indicators, the article provides information about recent developments in the Canadian economy, highlighting major changes in the economic data during late 2017 and early 2018. Unless otherwise noted, the tabulations presented in this article are based on seasonally adjusted data available in CANSIM on April 6, 2018.

This article is accompanied by a chart book, which highlights selected changes in the Canadian economy.

FULL DOCUMENT: http://www.statcan.gc.ca/pub/11-626-x/11-626-x2018080-eng.pdf



AGRICULTURE



The Globe and Mail. 23 Apr 2018. Canada’s Canpotex opens Sao Paulo office as Brazil’s Vale exits fertilizer industry
ANDREW WILLIS

For Canpotex, hiring a sales team in Sao Paulo is part of larger investment in logistics to get potash from Saskatchewan to Brazil.

As Brazil’s largest minings company exits the fertilizer industry, Canada’s leading potash exporter is ramping up its operations in South America’s largest agricultural market.

Canpotex Ltd., the Saskatoon-based company that sells potash from 10 Saskatchewan mines to farmers around the world, is expected to announce the opening of its first office in Brazil on Monday. In an interview, Canpotex chief executive Ken Steitz said expanding its sales effort in Brazil is part of a $1-billion investment to better position the Canadian company as a dominant fertilizer supplier to a country that’s expected to lead the world in food production over the next three decades.

The new Sao Paulo-based sales team is led by Talita Arcaro, hired in October as Canpotex’s managing director in Brazil. Ms. Arcaro previously worked for a major domestic fertilizer distributor and the Brazilian arm of a Morocco-based fertilizer producer. She was born and educated in Brazil.

Brazil is the world’s largest imposrter of potash and Canpotex is beefing up its presence after Rio de Janeiro-based Vale, one of the world’s largest mining companies, disappeared as a competitor.

Vale sold its fertilizer division to Minneapolis-based Mosaic Co. for US$1.4-billion in a deal that closed in January, more than a year after it was announced, as part of a restructuring aimed at paying down debt. The unit included the largest potash mine in Brazil.

Canpotex is owned by the Canadian arm of Mosaic and Nutrien Ltd., the company created from January’s merger of Agrium Inc. and Potash Corp. of Saskatchewan Inc., and is responsible for the two company’s potash sales outside North America. Canpotex has sales offices in three Asian cities – Shanghai, Tokyo and Singapore – but previously covered South America with agents in the region and a sales team based in Saskatchewan.

Brazilian farmers used approximately 10 million metric tons of potash in 2017, and imported 90 per cent of the fertilizer from six major suppliers, including companies based in Russia, Germany, Belarus and Morocco. Vale was the major domestic producer. Last year, Canpotex supplied almost three million tons of potash to soybean, corn, sugarcane and coffee farms in Brazil.

Canpotex’s Mr. Seitz said Brazil’s share of global food production and demand for fertilizer are expected to rise steadily over the next three decades, as the country’s increasingly sophisticated agricultural sector expands crop yields and converts cattle ranches into farms. Mr. Seitz said in the past decade, Brazil’s use of fertilizer increased 40 per cent, while crop production rose 72 per cent.

There’s another potash play with Canadian links attempting to meet this demand for fertilizer. Brazil Potash, a privately owned junior mining company based in Toronto, is developing a property in the Amazon basin with a largely Canadian executive team and board that includes former federal cabinet minister Pierre Pettigrew.

For Canpotex, hiring a sales team in Sao Paulo is part of a larger investment in logistics to get potash from Saskatchewan to Brazil. Mr. Seitz estimates the company has spent $1-billion on custom-built rail cars, port facilities and ships to carry fertilizer on what’s typically a 35-day journey from mine to farm.

Brazil currently accounts for 25 per cent of Canpotex’s sales and is the company’s single largest market. Last year, Canpotex filled 25,000 rail cars and 60 cargo ships with potash destined for Brazil.

Potash prices rose steadily over the past two years after a number of producers, including Nutrien and Mosaic, closed mines to decrease supply. “The global potash outlook remains broadly constructive,” Jacob Bout, an analyst at CIBC World Markets, said in a recent report. “If demand holds, a balanced market could be sustained through 2020!”

Potash prices in Brazil are now higher than in any other regional market, CIBC pointed out. The fertilizer fetched US$293 a ton in Brazil at the end of the first quarter of this year, up US$49 year over year. In Canada, the spot price of potash was US$258 a ton at the end of the quarter, up US$22 year over year. Potash price moves in Asia and the United States were in line with those in the Canadian market.

Potash prices spiked briefly to more than US$800 a ton in 2008, then declined steadily over most of the past decade, bottoming out at approximately US$215 over the past two years.


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LGCJ.:
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