OTTAWA — Canada’s manufacturing sector is showing signs of renewed pressure, with factory sales expected to decline in July, according to a new Statistics Canada advance estimate.

Canadian factory sales are estimated to have fallen 0.2% from June to July, with weaker activity in the chemical and fabricated metal product industries identified as major contributors to the decline.

The latest indicator comes as Canadian manufacturers continue navigating an uncertain business environment shaped by trade tensions, changing costs and shifting demand.

Statistics Canada cautioned that the July figure is an advance estimate and could be revised as additional responses are received. The July estimate was based on a weighted response rate of 69.8%, below the 92.5% average response rate recorded over the previous 12 months.

The manufacturing data will be closely watched by businesses and investors because factory activity provides an important indication of the broader Canadian economy.

The latest figures underline the challenges facing Canadian manufacturers as companies adjust to changing domestic and international market conditions.