OTTAWA, Ont. — November’s increase in manufacturing shipments was widespread as 13 sectors, representing 73% of total output, boosted their freight volumes, Statistics Canada data reveals. But the increase was led by the transportation equipment sector.

Durable goods shipments increased for a second consecutive month following three months of decline, rising 3.1% to $26.8 billion, thanks to a strong showing in the transportation equipment sector.

In spite of softening commodity prices, higher volumes helped non-durable goods shipments increase by 1.3% to $22.2 billion in November. Lower commodity prices, were the main factor behind the declines observed in the previous three months.

Following the introduction of new model launches, motor vehicle shipments increased 13.7% to $5.2 billion, helping the transportation equipment sector bounce back from four consecutive losses. The sector shipped $9.7 billion worth of product in November, the highest level in eight months.

Aerospace shipments rose 9.5% to $1.3 billion following a similar sized decline in October. For the first 11 months of 2006, aerospace shipments were 1.8% lower than in the same period of 2005.

Shipments from Canadian refineries increased by 4.6% to $4.7 billion. Unlike the previous four months, price changes had little effect on the value of shipments with November’s moderate price decline being the smallest in two years.
Food manufacturing, the second largest after transportation equipment, made up some lost ground in November with a 1.2% increase to $5.7 billion the third highest level in two years.