The forecast for self-employed individuals in the Canadian wholesale sector, excluding motor vehicles and motorcycles, indicates a consistent decline from 2024 to 2028. In 2023, the sector stood at 22.67 million hours. From 2024 to 2025, there is a projected decline of 3.5% year-on-year, followed by a further 3.5% decline in 2026. This downward trend continues with annual decreases of 3.4% and 3.5% in 2027 and 2028, respectively. Over the five-year period, the compound annual growth rate (CAGR) is approximately -3.7%, highlighting a steady contraction in hours worked by self-employed individuals.

Future trends to watch for:

Impact of digital transformation and e-commerce on traditional wholesale practices.
Potential changes in market demand and supply chain dynamics.
Government policies affecting small businesses and self-employment.