In December, the results of the industrial production in regional level were considerably positive. In relation to the index of the year 2004, the 14 investigated areas presented growth. The highest rate remained with the industry of Amazonas (13.0%), boasted mainly by the group electronic material and communication equipment (23.6%). Ceará (11.9%) and São Paulo (11.8%) came next, where stood out respectively, the industries of food products and beverages (11.1%) and automotive vehicles (29.3%). Santa Catarina (11.4%), Pará (10.5%), Paraná and Bahia (both with 10.1%) and Goiás (8.4%) completed the group of places that grew above the whole Brazilian industry (8.3%).

The performance in these states is associated to several factors such as: the dynamism of their exports, the strong participation of consumer durable goods and capital goods in their productive structures, and the articulation to the agribusiness. Increasing the production we can find also: Northeast Region (7.7%), Rio Grande do Sul (6.4%), Minas Gerais (6.0%), Espírito Santo (5.1%), Pernambuco (4.8%) and Rio de Janeiro (2.4%).

In relation to December 2003, thirteen of the fourteen investigated areas presented growth. 10 places recorded results above the national average (8.3%): Goiás (23.0%), Ceará (18.6%), Santa Catarina (15.1%), Amazonas (14.9%), Paraná (14.8%), São Paulo (11.9%), Bahia (11.5%), Espírito Santo (9.7%), Northeast Region (9.2%) and Pará (9.1%). With increase in the production we can also observe the following places: Rio de Janeiro (4.6%), Rio Grande do Sul (2.4%) and Minas Gerais (2.2%). Only Pernambuco (-0.5%) presented a mild reduction in this type of comparison.

In the indexes of the last quarter of the last year, compared to the same period of 2003, all the areas had positive results. In this comparison, 10 localities presented rates above the national average (6.3%), in order: Ceará (17.0%), Bahia (15.5%), Goiás (14.2%), Paraná (12.4%), Pará (12.3%), Amazonas (11.6%), Northeast Region (11.1%), Santa Catarina (10.9%), Espírito Santo (9.6%) and São Paulo (8.8%). Minas Gerais (5.4%), Rio de Janeiro (2.9%), Goiás (2.6%) and Pernambuco (1.8%) also showed expansion.

 

AMAZONAS

In December, the industry of Amazonas grew 14.9% compared to December 2003. The accumulated indicator in the year showed expansion of 13.0%, the most elevated rate among all the surveyed places.

In the monthly comparison (14.9%), six of the 11 surveyed sectors presented growth in the production. Electronic material and communication equipment (20.5%), other transport equipment (33.6%) and machines and equipment (37.9%) were the main positive influences in the formation of the overall result. On the other hand, the industries of food products and beverages (-2.8%) and edition and printing (-9.3%) presented the main negative impacts in the total industrial result.

The quarterly analysis confirms the sequence of positive results for the industry of Amazonas during 2004. The favorable performance of the first (16.5%) and second (19.9%) quarters was, partly, benefited statistically by the low base of comparison. In the period July-September, the industry grew 5.8% in relation to a higher base of comparison. In the fourth quarter, the industrial activity of the state gained rhythm reaching a growth of 11.6%. This acceleration movement between the third and fourth quarter was verified in six of the 11 surveyed activities. This occurred especially in the increases indicated by food products and beverages, which passed from –13.0% to 1.0%; petroleum refining and alcohol production, which passed from –17.5% to 6.0% and electronic material and communication equipment, which passed from 12.7% to 15.7%.

In the accumulated index of the year, the positive rate of 13.0% was the highest among the surveyed places, as a consequence of the favorable performance of 10 among 11 segments. The main positive influences came from electronic material and communication equipment (23.6%), rubber and plastic (42.6%) and edition and printing (50.0%).

 

PARÁ

The industry of Pará closed the year of 2004 with positive results in all the main indicators. In the comparison with the same month of the previous year, the industrial sector grew 9.1%, a less favorable result than the one of November (17.0%). The indicators for larger periods also recorded expansion: 12.3% in the fourth quarter and 10.5% in the accumulated index of the year.

According to the monthly indicator, the hike of 9.1% in the physical production of the industry of Pará was a consequence, mainly, of the behavior in the mining and quarrying industry (19.4%). Other positive impacts in the overall result came from non-metallic minerals and wood (3.5%). The only negative contribution came from food products and beverages (-7.7%).

In quarterly bases we could observe that the industry of Pará sustained a growing rhythm in the course of the year, with expressive rates in all the quarters, especially in the third and fourth quarters, periods in which it maintained an increase of 12.3%.

The industry of Pará closed the year with expansion of 10.5%, supported, to a large degree, in the behavior of the mining and quarrying industry (15.2%). Considering its participation in the industrial production, were it represents 40.0%, this sector had the main positive impact in all the analyzed indicators. The articulation of iron ore to exports was the determinant factor in the ascending trend indicated by the state in 2004. The other surveyed activities also attained positive behaviors, especially basic metal products (5.2%) and cellulose and paper (20.1%).

 

NORTHEAST

The industry of the Northeast recorded growth of 9.2% in December 2004 compared to the same month of 2003. The indicators for larger periods also presented growth: 11.1% in the fourth quarter and 7.7% in the accumulated index of the year.

The increase of 9.2% in the monthly comparison was determined mainly by the behavior of petroleum refining and alcohol production (74.9%). Among the other five segments with expansion, stood out food products and beverages (12.3%) and non-metallic minerals (32.3%). The major negative impacts came from chemical products (-7.0%) and basic metal products (-17.5%).

In quarterly bases, the industry of the Northeast showed acceleration between the indexes of the third (7.5%) and fourth quarter (11.1%). This movement counted above all, with the performance of petroleum refining and alcohol production, which recorded a hike of 7.3% in the third quarter passing to 66.1% in the last one. Other three activities increased the production, and we should mention food products and beverages, which passed from 7.2% to 9.4% and non-metallic minerals (from 14.9% to 25.8%). The sector that presented the major deceleration was cellulose and paper, which passed from an increase of 7.3% to a fall of 17.8% in the last quarter of 2004.

In the accumulated index January-December, the growth of 7.7% resulted from the positive influence of nine among 11 surveyed activities, especially petroleum refining and alcohol production (25.1%), food products and beverages (8.0%) and textiles (13.6%). The major negative impact came from basic metal products (-9.1%).

 

CEARÁ

In December 2004, the industrial production in the state of Ceará presented growth in the main indicators: 18.6% in relation to the same period of the previous year, 17.0% in the quarterly index and 11.9% in the accumulated index of the year.

In comparison with December 2003, the expansion of 18.6% was determined by the increase observed in 10 sectors, especially textiles (26.1%) and footwear and leather articles (21.4%).

In quarterly bases, we could observe a behavior considerably different in the industry of Ceará between the first and second half of the year: in the two first quarters the rates were 2.1% and 6.5%, both considerably below the national average (6.5% and 10.0%). However in the last two quarters of 2004, the growth was expressive: 20.5% in the third and 17.0% in the fourth quarter.

In the accumulated index in the year, the growth of 11.9% granted to the state the second major regional rate. Nine activities presented positive performances, being the main ones food products and beverages (11.1%), textiles (12.9%) and footwear and leather articles (16.5%). Only metal products (-9.7%) presented a negative result.

 

PERNAMBUCO

In December 2004, the industrial indicators of Pernambuco, presented fall of 0.5% in the comparison with the same month of 2003 and growth of 4.8% in the accumulated index of the year and 1.8% in the fourth quarter.

The fall observed in the monthly indicator (-0.5%), the second of the year, was determined by the performance in five of 11 surveyed industrial activities, especially electric machines, materials and equipment (-25.7%), chemical products (-12.1%) and textiles (-40.2%).

In the analysis by quarters, it could be verified that the last one of 2004 presented a more moderate performance in relation to the previous ones (1.8%). It remained below the results of July-September (4.5%), April-June (10.3%) and January-March (4.2%). The reason for this poor performance of the industry of Pernambuco in the last quarter of the year is the strong pressure of five groups of industry nullifying, practically, the positive effect of the other six groups. Among the activities that grew, we can point out food products and beverages (4.0%), petroleum refining and alcohol production (29.7%) and non-metallic minerals (16.1%). Pressuring negatively we can point out electric machines, materials and equipment (-21.5%) and textiles (-32.7%).

In the accumulated indicator, the performance of the industry of Pernambuco in 2004 (4.8%) overcame the one of 2003 (1.0%). In 2004, among the 11 segments investigated, eight indicated a growth. Among these, we may point out the following: basic metal products (18.9%), food products and beverages (5.5%) and petroleum refining and alcohol production (25.3%). On the other hand, we can mention electric machines, materials and equipment (-8.6%) and textiles (-12.2%).

 

BAHIA

The industrial indicators of Bahia unveil, in December, positive rates in all the comparisons. The comparison December 04/December 03 indicated growth of 11.5%, in the closing of the year the index remained in 10.1% and in the quarter October-December the expansion reached 15.5%.

In the monthly comparison, the increase of 11.5% in the industrial production of Bahia showed a scenario of positive results in five of nine investigated industrial segments. The sector of petroleum refining and alcohol production, of greater impact in the industrial structure of the state, with increases of 102.1% answered for the major part of the overall growth. Other groups of industry stood out: food products and beverages (22.3%) and automotive vehicles (152.0%). On the other hand, the ones that most influenced negatively were cellulose and paper (-37.6%), chemical products (-7.2%) and basic metal products (-11.6%).

In the quarterly analysis, we could verify a scenario of positive results in the course of 2004. The last quarter presented the best result of the year (15.5%), surpassing the rates of 5.6% registered in the period July- September; 12.4% in April-June; and 7.0% in January-March. In the last quarter, among the six segments with increase of production, stood out the following: petroleum refining and alcohol production (91.8%) and food products and beverages (14.5%). Among the segments that diminished the production we observe cellulose and paper (-23.0%) and basic metal products (-8.0%).

The total production of 2004 was 10.1% higher than the one of the previous year. Among the eight industrial segments that levered the expansion of the industry, two answered for more than half of this growth: petroleum refining and alcohol production (27.1%) and chemical products (5.0%). On the other hand, the only one that impacted negatively was cellulose and paper (-3.2%).

 

MINAS GERAIS

In December 2004, the industrial indicators of Minas Gerais registered positive rates. In relation to December 2003, there was an expansion of 2.2%. For larger periods, the results were the following: 6.0% in the accumulated indicator in the year and 5.4% in the fourth quarter of 2004.

The monthly production of the state increased 2.2%, its second lowest rate in the year, prevailing only over the rate of February (0.6%), and equalizing the one of January (2.2%). Eight segments were responsible for the positive behavior of the industry. With greater relevance, however, stood out food products (14.1%), metal products (50.9%), other chemical products (12.6%) and non-metallic minerals (10.6%). Among the activities that recoiled, stood out basic metal products (-9.4%) and automotive vehicles (-6.6%).

In the last quarter of the year, the industry grew 5.4%, although in a less intense rhythm than in the two previous quarters, which was 9.1% in July-September and 6.5% in April-June. It surpassed only the result of the first quarter of the year (2.7%). In the fourth quarter, among the groups that grew, food products (11.5%), other chemical products (18.4%) and mining and quarrying industries (9.7%) answered for the main positive impacts. Among the ones that recoiled, the greatest negative impact upon the overall rate came from basic metal products (-5.5%) and beverages (-18.4%).

Regarding the closing of the year, the industry of Minas ended 2004 with expansion of 6.0% compared to the same period of the previous year, presenting a better performance than in 2003 (1.4%). The majority of the segments (10), among a total of 13, increased the production during 2004, with automotive vehicles (17.1%) presenting the major positive impact. The second best result of the year was verified in mining and quarrying industries (12.0%). A third segment that stood out was food products, with an expansion of 5.9%.

 

ESPÍRITO SANTO

The industrial production of Espírito Santo presented in 2004 positive rates in its main comparisons. In relation to the same month of the previous year, the expansion was 9.7%; in the accumulated index in the year it recorded 5.1%; and in the last quarter it increased 9.6%.

Analyzing the monthly results we observe that five segments presented growth. Among the industrial activities, cellulose and paper (18.2%) was the one of major relevance in the overall result. Following appeared food products and beverages (17.2%), mining and quarrying industries (6.5%) and basic metal products (1.7%).

In quarterly bases, the last quarter of 2004 was the best of the year (9.6%), determining an expansion rhythm considerably above the one observed in July-September (3.0%), April-June (5.5%) and January-March (2.5%). Nevertheless, despite the more favorable conjuncture conditions of 2004, we can mention that in the last quarter of 2003 the general industry presented fall (-4.0%), which in a relative way highlighted the performance in this last quarter. Among the groups of industry that most stood out in this period, we can mention basic metal products (16.9%), cellulose and paper (14.5%), and food products and beverages (15.5%).

The industry of the state closed 2004 with growth of 5.1%, hence, lower than the one of 2003 (6.4%). In the analysis by segments, almost all of them increased the production. The only exception was non-metallic minerals, which had a slow negative change (-0.1%). Among the positive results, the more influent were food products and beverages (15.3%) and basic metal products (6.9%).

 

RIO DE JANEIRO

The industrial sector of Rio de Janeiro continued, in December 2004, presenting expansion in its production in the comparison with the same month of the previous year (4.6%). This performance can be observed since May of the previous year. In the other indicators, the results are also positive: 2.9% in the last quarter of the year and 2.4% in the accumulated index of the year.

In the comparison December 04/December 03, the overall result of 4.6%, was determined by the growth observed in eight of the 13 surveyed activities. The mining and quarrying industry (3.3%) expanded again in the comparison with the same month of the previous year. The manufacturing industry continued to present expansion (4.8%), a performance observed since May 2003. In this group, petroleum refining and alcohol production (45.7%), were responsible for the major positive impact. We can also point out the favorable performance of automotive vehicles (63.1%) and non-metallic minerals (41.8%). Among the five groups of industry that reduced the production and consequently turned the overall result of Rio de Janeiro just moderate, basic metal products, with a drop of 15.3%, stood out as the main negative influence. We can also mention the negative contributions of edition and printing (-17.0%) and pharmaceuticals (-15.9%).

In quarterly bases, the industrial production of Rio de Janeiro presented a slight deceleration in the rhythm of growth from the third (3.2%) to the fourth quarter of 2004 (2.9%). This occurred mainly, due to the movement indicated in the manufacturing industry, which had a mild reduction in the expansion of its production, since it passed from 4.6% to 3.3%. Regarding the mining and quarrying industry, with a growth of 0.7% it registered, in relative terms, a reaction in 2004: -6.2% in the first quarter, -5.6% in the following quarter and –3.3% in the period July-September.

In 2004, the industrial production of Rio de Janeiro, expanded 2.4%, and presented again a positive rate after the recoil of 1.0% in 2003. It remained distant from the national average performance (8.3%). The mining and quarrying industry, with fall of 3.6% was the main negative influence in the overall result. The manufacturing industry, by its way, grew 3.8%, as a result of the positive performance of eight among 12 investigated industrial groups of industry. Stood out the favorable performance of automotive vehicles (23.2%), non-metallic minerals (23.2%), petroleum refining and alcohol production (6.2%) and beverages (11.0%). Among the sectors that presented fall, edition and printing (-7.4%) presented the major pressure.

 

SÃO PAULO

The industrial production of São Paulo presented, in December, expansion of 11.9% in relation to December 2003. The accumulated index in the year was 11.8%, above the national average (8.3%). The indexes in quarterly bases show that the industrial sector of the state diminished the rhythm of growth from the third (16.5%) to the fourth quarter (8.8%) of this year. The general scenario indicated that the positive indexes presented by the state in 2004 resulted, mainly, from the dynamism of the productive sectors of capital goods and durable consumer goods.

The increase of 11.9% observed in the comparison with December 2003, was a consequence of the positive behavior of 16 among 20 surveyed sectors. The groups of industry that more influenced the overall result were the following: automotive vehicles (25.2%), electronic material and communication equipment (40.8%), and food products (16.2%). Among the four sectors with negative rates, edition and printing (-9.4%) and petroleum refining and alcohol production (-1.5%) were the main impacts.

The performance of the industry of the state, regarding the quarterly indexes, showed that the sector sustained positive rates during 2004. In the fourth quarter the production increased 8.8%, a rhythm lower than the third and second quarters (16.5% and 13.3%, respectively). As it was expected, the profile of the quarterly growth of São Paulo was similar to the national growth, with the second and third quarter concentrating the highest rates, while the first and last quarter had equivalent rhythms of growth.

The industry of São Paulo closed 2004 with expansion of 11.8%, the best result of the time series initiated in 1992. Nineteen segments contributed positively for the overall growth, and the most significant pressures were observed in automotive vehicles (29.3%), electronic material and communication equipment (45.0%) and machines and equipment (21.0%), which maintained positive results during the whole year. On the other hand, only edition and printing (-3.1%) stood out with a negative result.

 

PARANÁ

The industrial production of Paraná indicated, in December 2004, expansion of 14.8% in relation to the same month of 2003. The accumulated indicator reached 10.1%, remaining above the national average (8.3%). For the other comparisons, such as the one in the last quarter of the year (12.4%), the performance was also considerably positive.

In the comparison with December 2003, the expansion of 14.8% was caused by the favorable behavior of eight among 14 investigated groups of industry. This positive index was influenced to a large degree by the increase observed in automotive vehicles (103.3%). We should also mention the positive contribution, although in a smaller scale, of machines and equipment (47.8%). Together, these two groups of industry were responsible for 82.0% of the overall rate. The decreases that most influenced the formation of the overall rate came from the groups of other chemical products (-15.4%), metal products (-12.6%) and wood (-4.6%).

Regarding the performance in the industry of the state in the last quarter of the previous year, it closed with an increase of 12.4%, a result slightly below the one observed in the period July-September (13.2%). In the analysis of the fourth quarter of 2004, it could be observed that 10 of the 14 investigated groups of industry presented this result from the third to the fourth quarter.

In the accumulated result of 2004, the industry of the state, with an expansion of 10.1%, surpassed the national average (8.3%). Also, it maintained a rhythm of growth above the one indicated in 2003 (5.7%). The favorable performance of 2004 was a consequence of the positive results attained by 10 among 14 surveyed industrial groups, in which stood out the major productive rhythm observed in automotive vehicles (50.6%). We can also mention the increases in edition and printing (39.7%), machines and equipment (21.4%), food products (4.9%) and wood (16.7%). Among the other segments that reduced the production, we can mention petroleum refining and alcohol production (-11.9%) and other chemical products (-10.5%).

 

SANTA CATARINA

The industrial production of Santa Catarina, in December 2004, presented expansion of 15.1% in the comparison with the same month of the previous year, a growth more pronounced than last November (12.1%). In the indicators for larger periods, the accumulated indicator in the year 2004 reached 11.4%, the highest result of the time series initiated in 1992, while the quarterly indicator increased 10.9%.

The growth of 15.1% obtained in the comparison with December 2003 showed the positive behavior of nine among 11 surveyed groups of industry. This index was influenced, mainly, by the growth in automotive vehicles (132.4%), food products (14.4%) and machines and equipment (17.1%). We can point out the positive impacts indicated by the industries of textiles (14.0%), cellulose and paper (15.3%), rubber and plastic (16.9%) and wood (19.2%). The only two activities that presented fall were electric machines, equipment and materials (-19.1%) and apparel (-9.4%).

The evolution of the quarterly based indexes showed that the industrial activity of the state sustained positive rates in all the quarters of 2004. In the last quarter of 2004 it presented expansion of 10.9%, a result less intense than the ones of the second (13.9%) and third quarters (17.2%). This movement of deceleration in the rhythm of growth was boasted, mainly, by electric machines, equipment and materials (from 29.2% in the period July-September to –11.0% in the last quarter of the last year), apparel, (from 6.2% to –9.5%), and textiles (from 22.7% to 11.1%).

In the accumulated indicator of the year, the industry of Santa Catarina closed 2004 with an expansion of 11.4%, after indicating a negative rate in 2003 (-5.5%). Contributed positively in the overall result, nine of the 11 surveyed groups of industry, among these, the more significant were food products (11.2%) and machines and equipment (14.2%). Other relevant positive contributions came from automotive vehicles (42.3%), textiles (13.2%) and rubber and plastic (17.1%). The two only negative results came from non-metallic products (-4.2%) and apparel (-2.9%).

 

RIO GRANDE DO SUL

The industry of Rio Grande do Sul closed 2004 with a growth of 6.4% and in the comparison with December 2003, the rate remained in 2.4%. In the last quarter, the physical production presented growth of 2.6%, decelerating in relation to the third quarter (10.7%).

The increase of 2.4% in the monthly indicator resulted from the positive performance of 10 among 14 surveyed activities in the industry of the state. Among these, the more significant were food products (7.3%), automotive vehicles (14.9%) and rubber and plastic (14.6%). On the other hand, the major negative impacts in the overall result came from petroleum refining and alcohol production (-13.9%) and basic metal products (-22.3%).

From the third to the fourth quarter of 2004, the industry of the state indicated deceleration in its production rhythm passing from 10.7% to 2.6%. 10 among 14 surveyed groups contributed to this result, especially tobacco, that passed from a growth of 157.7% to a fall of 2.0%; metal products (from 22.5% to –1.1%) and machines and equipment (from 20.5% to 7.7%).

The industry of the state attained expansion of 6.4% in 2004, with 11 among 14 surveyed groups recording growth. The major positive impacts came from the industries of machines and equipment (16.8%), tobacco (26.9%) and automotive vehicles (21.8%). The group of industry that indicated the major decrease in the overall result was petroleum refining and alcohol production (-6.2%).

 

GOIÁS

The industry of the state of Goiás, in December 2004, presented growth of 23.0%, in the comparison with the same month of the previous year, a result above the one of November (17.3%). The indicators for larger periods also indicated expansion: 14.2% in the quarterly indicator and 8.4% in the accumulated index of the year.

The industry of the state, according to the monthly indicator, indicated growth of 23.0%, as a consequence, mainly, of the behavior in the sector of food products and beverages (20.8%). The other four activities also recorded increases, being the more significant chemical products (47.2%) and mining and quarrying (35.8%).

In quarterly bases, the industry of the state increased its rhythm of production passing from 9.4% in the third to 14.2% in the fourth quarter. In this period, four out of five activities surveyed increased their production, especially chemical products, which in the third quarter of 2004 presented null change (0.0%) and in the fourth quarter grew 22.3%; and food products and beverages (from 9.1% to 12.3%). The only deceleration came from mining and quarrying industry (from 47.1% to 24.3%), which still continued above the overall index of the industry in these periods.

The expansion of 8.4% in the year of 2004 was sustained mainly by the performance of the sector food products and beverages (8.3%). Other significant positive performances came from chemical products (12.7%) and mining and quarrying (9.7%). The only negative contribution in the overall result came from basic metal products (-0.2%).