Esprit Associates Blog

Market Outlook

1.1 Canada Manufacturing December 2012 Sales

• Statistics Canada says manufacturing sales fell 3.1 per cent in December to $48 billion, the largest decline since May 2009 and worse than expected. It says about half of the decrease reflected lower sales in the transportation equipment industry, while sales were also down in the chemical, petroleum and coal product as well as the fabricated metal product industries. www.canadianmanfucturing.com

1.2 World Steel Production

Market Outlook

1.1 Canada Mining Sector

• In 2011 Canada was the top destination globally for exploration spending, boasting 18 per cent of total investment. That increased spending led to increased yields, according to the report, with Canadian mineral production value up 21 per cent to a record $50.3-billion in 2011 as mineral prices went up. While well-established mining provinces continued to dominate in mineral production— Ontario ($10.6-billion), Saskatchewan ($9.2-billion), British Columbia ($8.5- billion) and Quebec ($7.7-billion) seized the top four spots—there were notable increases in other regions. According to MAC, Newfoundland and Labrador’s mineral production value reached $5.1-billion in 2011, which represented an impressive six-fold increase over the last decade. The industry exported a record $101.9-billion worth of metals, non-metals and coal in 2011, accounting for 22.8 per cent of Canada’s total exports. www.canadianmanfucturing.com

1.2 Canada Natural Gas and Oil Sector

Market Outlook

1.1 United States Trade – November 2012