Brazil's industrial output up 1.4% in March

The industrial production in Brazil is back on the rise, and closed out March up 1.4% from February.

The figures were published today (May 3) by the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE), and show that, when compared with the same month last year, the total amount produced in March declined 11.4%.

With this performance, the industrial output closed out the first quarter of 2016 down 11.7%. The year-to-date value slid 9.7% in March, which maintains the downward trend initiated in March 2014.

Expansions

The 1.4% growth in the country's industry complex from February to March shows gains in 12 of the 24 branches surveyed and in all four economic categories. Capital goods experienced a more significant surge, 2.2%—the third positive outcome straight, marking a period with an increase of 3.1%. Also reporting highs, though less considerable ones, were semi- and non-durable goods (0.9%), durable goods (0.3%) and intermediate goods (0.1%)—all of which, however, below the national average, 1.4%.

Among the branches surveyed, the most significant positive influence was registered by foods: an increase of 4.6%. Other positive contributions on the total output came from machinery and equipment (8.5%), pharmachemicals and pharmaceuticals (8.3%), automotive vehicles, tows and bodyworks (2.7%). electric machinery, devices and materials (3.6%), and wood products (4.2%).

Declines

Among the branches that brought the production down in March, the rate with the most considerable role in making up the global average was reported by coke, oil byproducts, and biofuels, with a fall of 6.5%, interrupting a three-month period of positive results. Other major negative impacts were observed in cellulose, paper, and paper products (-3.1%), mining industries (-0.9%), metallurgy (-2.1%), rubber and plastic products and materials (-2.9%), and furniture (-4.6%).

Translated by Fabrício Ferreira