Wholesale sales dipped 1.4 per cent in December: StatsCan

OTTAWA - Statistics Canada says wholesale sales fell 1.4 per cent to $49.6 billion in December, the lowest level in six months.

It says five of seven wholesale subsectors, representing 79 per cent of sales, showed declines.

The machinery, equipment and supplies subsector recorded the largest decline in dollar terms in December, with a drop of 3.5 per cent.

This decline was attributed to a 13.2 per cent decrease in the computer and communications equipment and supplies industry.

The motor vehicle and parts subsector was off 4.0 per cent in December, more than offsetting a gain recorded in November.

Lower sales were recorded in four provinces, accounting for 84 per cent of wholesale sales.