Ottawa – Real gross domestic product (GDP) was basically flat in Canada in May, after expanding 0.3% in April.

Over a three-month period, advance information from Statistics Canada shows that real GDP grew by 1.1% in the second quarter of 2022.

The federal agency said on Friday that the 0.4% growth recorded in service manufacturing in May was offset by the 1% decline in manufacturing. Growth was recorded in 14 out of 20 industries two months ago.

The transportation and warehousing sector rose 1.9% in May for the fourth consecutive month, mainly thanks to growth of 14.1% in the aviation sector. For its part, public transport services rose 8.9% after rising 10.8% in April.

The wholesale sector rose 0.7% in May after three straight months of decline. The agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting sector was also up 1.6% in May, mainly due to an increase in agricultural crops.

On the other hand, the mining, quarrying and oil & gas sectors fell 0.1% after rising for three straight months.

Manufacturing fell 1.7% in May after seven months of growth. In this regard, Statistics Canada observed a 5.1% decline in transportation manufacturing, mainly due to the 21.2% decline in motor vehicle manufacturing, under the influence of shortage, which continues to make semiconductor chips and work at some assembly plants.

The construction sector fell by 1.6% in May for the second month in a row.

Statistics Canada adds that preliminary information shows real GDP grew by 0.1% in June, on the back of higher output in construction, manufacturing and accommodation and services. These estimates will be updated on August 31, when the official GDP data for the month of June and the second quarter of 2022 will be released.