Aluminium and alumina lift Canadian manufacturing sales in February, primary metals hit record high

Canada’s manufacturing sector posted modest overall growth in February, but the aluminium and alumina industry carried the weight. According to Statistics Canada, total manufacturing sales rose by 0.2 per cent to CAD 72.9 billion, the sector’s highest level since September 2023. The increase was almost entirely driven by a sharp rise in primary metal sales, which grew by 8.3 per cent to reach a record CAD 6.9 billion. The main driver is the strong domestic and international demand for Canadian aluminium and alumina.

Industry data shows that non-ferrous metals, particularly aluminium products, saw notable gains in both volume and value. Canadian producers benefitted from increased orders across key export markets, including the United States, Japan, and South Korea. In the United States, aluminium demand from the automotive and construction sectors rebounded in early 2025, contributing to a rise in cross-border shipments.

Meanwhile, Asian buyers accelerated procurement amid tightening global inventories and renewed infrastructure spending.

The February performance marked the second consecutive month of strong growth for the primary metals subsector. 

In January, the category had already increased by 4.1 per cent, signalling a sustained upward trend. Much of this momentum stems from Canada’s position as a leading supplier of low-carbon aluminium, with hydro-powered smelting facilities in Quebec and British Columbia giving the country a competitive edge as manufacturers worldwide seek to reduce the carbon footprint of their supply chains.