Statistics Canada says manufacturing sales in Saskatchewan increased 6.4 per cent January to February. Only Prince Edward Island could beat that at 8.5 per cent. The national average was an increase of only 0.5 per cent. Compared to February a year ago, sales here were down 6.9 per cent. That was the worst showing of the provinces. The national average was a decline of 0.9 per cent. Total sales in Saskatchewan in February were $1.29 billion.

In the Saskatoon census metropolitan area, sales rose 4.8 per cent month-to-month. That was the best showing of 12 CMAs surveyed. Year-to-year, the Saskatoon CMA was down 1.1 per cent. Five cities were in negative territory. Total sales in February were $282 million.

Stats Canada says the impact of the rail blockades and COVID-19 disruptions in February lowered total manufacturing sales by an estimated $465 million. 11.9 per cent of establishments in the manufacturing sector reported being impacted by the rail blockades. The provinces hit hardest by blockades and pandemic were Ontario with sales down an estimated $199 million, and Quebec with sale down an estimated $160 million. Sales in Saskatchewan were down about $4 million.