FX.co ★ Canadian Retail Sales Extend Growth

Retail sales in Canada are projected to have increased by 0.5% in April 2025 compared to the previous month, based on preliminary estimates. This follows a robust growth of 0.8% in March 2025, bringing total sales to C$69.8 billion. The March estimates were revised upward from an initial forecast of 0.7%, making it the strongest retail growth observed this year. Among the nine subsectors of Canadian retail, six experienced an uptick in sales, with motor vehicles and parts leading the way, surging by 4.8% to reach C$19.6 billion. This growth occurred despite the imposition of tariffs by the US on the sector and subsequent retaliatory measures by Ottawa. Additionally, there was an increase in sales for clothing and accessories (up 2.6% to C$3.8 billion), furniture, electronics, and home goods (up 2.1% to C$3.8 billion), and building materials (up 2.6% to C$3.9 billion). Conversely, gasoline vendors saw a decline in turnover by 2.7% to C$6.2 billion due to lower fuel prices, and food retailers experienced a slight drop of 0.2% to C$13.2 billion.