Québec, July 20, 2021 – Québec’s real gross domestic product (GDP) at basic prices fell by 0.2% in April 2021, after posting an increase of 1.6% in March. These figures were reported today by the Institut de la statistique du Québec in Produit intérieur brut par industie au Québec, avril 2021.
Goods output down 0.9%
The output of goods-producing industries fell by 0.9% in April after growing by 2.1% in March. The April decline was due in part to decreased production in the utilities (‑3.6%), mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction (‑2.9%), and manufacturing (‑0.5%) sectors.
Production in the petroleum and coal product manufacturing subsector was down 22.2% in April, in part due to the suspension of certain operations for maintenance. Output in the fabricated metal product manufacturing subsector (‑3.8%) also fell, whereas the machinery manufacturing (+8.3%), computer and electronic product manufacturing (+12.9%) and chemical manufacturing (+5.3%) subsectors all saw increases.
Service production up 0.1%
In April, service-producing industries grew by 0.1%, less than in the two previous months (+1.5% in February and +1.4% in March). The sectors that contributed most to the change in April included health care and social assistance (+1.0%) and wholesale trade (+1.0), both of which grew, and retail trade (‑1.1%) and accommodation and food services (‑3.8%), both of which saw a decline.
Cumulative total for the first four months of 2021: Québec’s real GDP up 8.2%
For the first four months of 2021, Québec’s real GDP was 8.2% higher than in the same period in 2020. However, this strong growth must be considered against the backdrop of historic downturns in March and April 2020.
Changes in real GDP by industry in Québec
Source: Institut de la statistique du Québec, Direction des statistiques économiques.
Cumulative real GDP growth1 in Québec
1. GDP growth for the period from January to the reference month compared to the same period in the previous year. Cumulative growth for december represents GDP growth for the year.
Source: Institut de la statistique du Québec, Direction des statistiques économiques.
Canada’s real GDP at basic prices down 0.3% in April 2021
According to data published by Statistics Canada on June 30, 2021, Canada’s real GDP at basic prices fell 0.3% in April 2021. Goods-producing industries grew by 0.5%, while service-producing industries posted a decrease of 0.6%. For the first four months of 2021, Canada’s real GDP was up 4.9% over the same period in 2020.
Real gross domestic product by industry1
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| 2020 | 2021 | ||||
| Annual change | Monthly change | Cumulative change2 | |||
| March | April | ||||
| Québec | -5.3 | 1.6 | -0.2 | 8.2 | |
| Canada | -5.3 | 1.3 | -0.3 | 4.9 | |
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1. Gross domestic product levels by industry are valued at basic prices in chained dollars (2012), seasonally adjusted and annualized. |
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The Institut de la statistique du Québec produces, analyzes and disseminates official, objective and quality statistical information on various aspects of Québec society. It is responsible for conducting all statistical surveys of general interest. The relevance of its work makes it a strategic ally for decision makers and all those wishing to learn more about Québec.