OTTAWA, Ont. — Transportation and warehousing grew 0.4% in July, despite strike activities, the latest analysis if GDP growth trends released by Statistics Canada indicates.

Water transportation dropped markedly (-7.8%) as a result of strike activities on the west coast, but was overshadowed by growth in rail and truck transportation industries. Air transportation decreased 0.3%.

Overall, the Canadian economy advanced 0.2% in July following a 0.3% increase in June. Growth in July was concentrated in mining, oil and gas extraction and exploration, retail trade, and transportation industries. The oil and gas industry was spurred by a further increase in already high oil prices. However, economic activity was hampered by declines in manufacturing, wholesale trade and utilities.

Manufacturing output declined 0.3% in July, with 14 of the 21 major groups, accounting for 60% of this sector’s output, recording decreases. The largest declines were recorded by manufacturers of fabricated metal products (-2.4%) and of plastic and rubber products (-2.6%). The largest gains were posted by manufacturers of transportation equipment (+0.7%), chemical products (+1.4%) and beverage and tobacco products (+3.8%).