Industrial output in Brazil grew 2.9% in January 2014, in comparison with December 2013, the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE) reported Tuesday (Mar. 11). The result was a halt in the downward trend that begun last November (-0.6%). 
In comparison with January 2013, there was a 2.4% decrease last January, but the annualized rate shows a 0.5% increase.
There was a growth in all industrial sectors, notably in capital goods, which recorded a 10% rise.
The report went on to show that 17 out of the 27 Brazilian industries surveyed had an increased output in January compared to that of December. Pharmaceuticals was among the top growing industries with 29.4%, alongside automobiles, which increased 8.7%, breaking a downward cycle which persisted since last October.
The tobacco industry, on the other hand, remained among those which reported decreased production, with a 47.6% fall. Other chemical manufacturing (-2,5%), alcohol (-2,2%) and metal goods/products (-2,7%) also recorded lower performances.
Translated by Augusto Queiroz / Mayra Borges
Fonte: Brazilian industry picks up again in January
