The regional indexes of industrial production of February presented growth in 11 among 14 localities surveyed by the IBGE, in the comparison with February 2004. Above the rate recorded in national level (4.4%), were the following: Amazonas (21.8%), Santa Catarina (9.9%), Northeast Region (8.2%), Minas Gerais (6.8%), Ceará (6.4%) and São Paulo (5.9%). With a growth below the national average remained Pernambuco (4.1%), Bahia (4.0%), Paraná (2.0%), Pará (1.6%) and Goiás (0.4%). Three localities presented decrease in the production: Espírito Santo (-0.1%), Rio Grande do Sul (-1.8%) and Rio de Janeiro (-3.4%).

In the accumulated index for the first two months, 13 regions registered positive rates. Rio Grande do Sul (-1.6%) was the only locality that showed recoil in the first two months. The main negative result of this state came from the reduction in the production of harvesting machines, due to the unfavorable scenario, since the beginning of the year, of the agricultural sector. The industries of Amazonas (14.3%), Santa Catarina (10.7%) and Northeast Region (10.4%) sustained the rhythm of growth in two digits. In these localities stood out respectively, the performances of the industry of electronic and communication material, automotive vehicles and food products and beverages. Ceará, with the fourth major regional rate (8.3%), had its result boasted by the increase in the groups of apparel and textiles. In Minas Gerais, the activity automotive vehicles was the main responsible for the overall growth of 7.6%. In São Paulo (7.0%), the industries that produce mainly to the domestic market and show a more recent recovery such as edition and printing and pharmaceuticals, as well as those that were already contributing in a more permanent way, such as machines and equipment and automotive vehicles, were the highlights in the first two months of the year.

In comparison to the behavior of the index in the last quarter of 2004, the accumulated index for January- February 2005 indicated a reduction in the rhythm of growth in national level (from 6.3% to 5.2%) and in eleven localities. This trend occurred more pronouncedly in Goiás (from 14.2% to 1.1%), Bahia (from 15.5% to 5.7%) and Ceará (from 17.0% to 8.3%).

In the three localities that increased their performance between the two periods, it could be observed the influence of activities typically associated to the production of consumer goods. In this case were, the industries of Pernambuco (1.8% to 5.5%), Amazonas (11.6% to 14.3%), and Minas Gerais (from 5.4% to 7.6%), specially food products, electrical and electronic equipment and cars, respectively.

Amazonas

The industrial production of Amazonas, in February, increased 21.8% compared to the same month of the previous year. In the indicators for larger periods, the industry of Amazonas continues presenting positive results: 14.3% in the accumulated index of the first two months and 13.9% in the last twelve months.

In the comparison February 05/ February 04, five among 11 researched groups of industry showed growth. The positive index was influenced, mainly, by the increase in electronic material and communication equipment (46.5%), which continued as the most dynamic sector of the industry of Amazonas. Also, it can be mentioned the positive performance of food products and beverages (26.7%) and of other transport equipment (27.9%). On the other hand, petroleum refining and alcohol production (-21.9%) and rubber and plastic (-28.6%) appeared as the main negative pressures.

In the accumulated indicator of the first two months of the year, six among 11 surveyed industrial activities presented positive performance. The expansion that more pressured the general industry was again observed in electronic material and communication equipment (32.0%). It can also be mentioned the positive contribution, although in a lower scale, of food products and beverages (21.6%). On the other hand, petroleum refining and alcohol production, with decrease of 16.4%, together with rubber and plastic (-23.7%), represented, also in this comparison, the major negative impacts in the formation of the general index.

Pará

In February, the industry of Pará registered increase of 1.6% in the comparison with the same month of the previous year, after twenty-four consecutive months in which it reached an average growth of 8.2%. The indicators for larger periods registered growth of 6.4% in the accumulated index of the year and 10.2% in the accumulated index of the last twelve months.

According to the monthly indicator, the increase of 1.6% in the physical production of the industry of Pará was sustained mainly by only two among six surveyed segments. The activities of wood (32.1%) and food products and beverages (10.3%), indicated expansion of production. The most important negative impact came from mining and quarrying (-4.3%).

In the accumulated index January-February, there was expansion in four among six surveyed segments. The major impacts in the general index came from mining and quarrying (7.0%) and wood (16.3%). On the other hand, the main negative contribution came from cellulose and paper (-6.3%).

Northeast

The industry of the Northeast region grew 8.2% in the comparison with February of the previous year. In the accumulated index of the year, there was expansion of 10.4% and in the accumulated index of the last twelve months, 9.7%.

The industry of the Northeast, for the 13th consecutive month, obtained increase in this monthly indicator. Among the 11 surveyed sectors, eight contributed positively for the formation of the rate of 8.2%. The most relevant growth was verified in chemical products (17.1%). Also, stood out food products and beverages (8.8%) and textiles (15.2%). On the other hand, the major negative contribution came from petroleum refining and alcohol production (-3.6%), mining and quarrying industry (-5.5%) and footwear and leather articles (-6.6%).

In the comparison of the first two months of the year with the same period of the previous year, nine among 11 surveyed activities presented positive rates. Food products and beverages (15.8%) and chemical products (16.6%) were the major positive influences. On the other hand, pressured negatively, mining and quarrying (-2.7%) and food products and leather articles (-3.1%).

Ceará

In February, the industrial production of Ceará registered expansion in the main indicators of production: 6.4% in the monthly indicator, 8.3% in the accumulated indicator of the year and 14.0% in the accumulated indicator of the last twelve months.

In relation to February 2004, there were positive results in six among 10 surveyed industrial activities. The sector of apparel and accessories, with elevated growth of 103.9% and textiles (17.1%) were the more expressive positive impacts for the formation of the overall rate. Following, we can mention non-metallic minerals (53.9%). On the other hand, the main decreases came from footwear and leather articles (-12.6%), petroleum refining and alcohol production (-24.4%) and food products and beverages (-4.7%).

In the accumulated indicator of the year, there was expansion in six among 10 manufacturing segments. This performance was determined, mainly, by textiles (14.5%) and apparel and accessories (59.1%). The more significant reductions came from footwear and leather articles (-6.6%) and food products and beverages (-1.9%).

Pernambuco

The industry of Pernambuco, in February, registered expansion of 4.1% in the comparison with the same month of the previous year. In the comparisons for larger periods, the results also were favorable: 5.5% in the accumulated index of the first two months of the year and 6.0% in the accumulated index of the last twelve months. The sector of food products and beverages presented the most expressive growth in the three main industrial indicators.

In the monthly indicator, there was a positive result in seven among 11 surveyed activities. The main positive contributions were observed in food products and beverages (6.2%), in electric machines, equipment and materials (28.1%) and chemical products (10.0%). The major negative pressures came from the textile sector (-43.6%), metal products (-19.8%) and rubber and plastic (-7.4%).

In the accumulated indicator for the first two months, seven among 11 surveyed industrial sectors presented growth. The major positive impact came from food products and beverages (7.5%). Also stood out the good performance of chemical products (13.6%) and petroleum refining and alcohol production (41.3%). On the other hand, textiles (-37.5%) and metal products (-12.1%) answered for the main negative pressures.

Bahia

The industrial production of Bahia increased 4.0%, in February 2005, in relation to the same month of the previous year. In the comparisons for larger periods, the rates continued positive: 5.7% in the accumulated index of the year and 10.2% in the accumulated index of the last twelve months.

The industry of Bahia, for the thirteenth consecutive month, registered expansion in the monthly indicator, with growth in six among nine industrial surveyed sectors, especially chemical products (10.7%). It can also be mentioned, the good performance of food products and beverages (18.4%) and automotive vehicles (74.4%). On the other hand, the negative impacts came from petroleum refining and alcohol production (-9.4%), rubber and plastic (-14.6%) and mining and quarrying (-5.1%).

In the accumulated indicator for the first two months of the year, there were positive rates in six among nine investigated segments. The main positive influences came from chemical products (14.3%) and food products and beverages (24.2%). On the other hand, the main decreases came from petroleum refining and alcohol production (-7.4%) and from basic metal products (-6.3%).

Minas Gerais

In February, the industrial production of Minas Gerais increased in all types of comparisons. In relation to February 2004, the expansion reached 6.8%, in the accumulated index of the year, 7.6%, and in the last twelve months, 7.0%.

In the monthly indicator, 10 activities indicated positive rates and three, negative rates. Among the segments that increased the production, stood out due to the importance in the composition of the rate, other chemical products (46.5%), automotive vehicles (12.0%), mining and quarrying industries (10.3%), and metal products (18.4%). Among the three segments that decreased the production, the one of petroleum refining and alcohol production (-8.5%) was the one that most pressured the overall rate.

The accumulated production of the first two months increased 7.6%, and remained above the rhythm of expansion of the previous year (6.0%). The segments of major performance in this type of comparison were automotive vehicles (19.8%), other chemical products (30.1%), mining and quarrying (10.0%) and metal products (28.0%). With negative results we could observe only petroleum refining and alcohol production (-5.8%) and beverages (-15.9%).

Espírito Santo

The industrial production of Espírito Santo presented, in February, negative change (-0.1%) in relation to the same month of the previous year, while in the accumulated index of the year and in the last twelve months the rates were positive: 3.6% and 5.6%, respectively.

In the comparison with February 2004, the industry of Espirito Santo showed negative change (-0.1%). The manufacturing industry indicated fall of 0.7% and mining and quarrying (1.1%) showed a milder expansion rhythm than in January (7.7%). The major negative impacts of the general industry were observed in basic metal products (-6.3%) and cellulose and paper (-3.7%). The production of food products and beverages (19.7%) by its way, contributed positively to the overall rate, counteracting, in a relative way, the adverse effect of the groups of industry that were decreasing.

In the accumulated production of the first two months of the year, among the four surveyed groups of industry, two exhibited positive rates, and the other two, negative rates. With growth of production, food products and beverages (22.7%) was the most influent in the composition of the overall rate, while among the groups of industry that recoiled, the highlight was basic metal products (-2.5%).

Rio de Janeiro

The industry of Rio de Janeiro showed, in February, retraction of 3.4% compared to the same month of the previous year. It reverted a sequence of nine positive results in this type of comparison. By its way, the accumulated indicators of the year and in the last twelve months registered positive rates: 0.8% and 2.8%, respectively.

For the formation of the rate of –3.4%, verified in the comparison February 05/February 04, contributed negatively seven among 13 surveyed activities. Mining and quarrying after presenting 4.1% in January, continued practically stable in February with a negative variation of 0.1%. The manufacturing industry again presented a negative result (-4.2%), after nine consecutive months of positive rates, specially the negative influence of pharmaceuticals (-44.4%). Other relevant negative contributions came from basic metal products (-13.4%), edition and printing (-18.0%) and rubber and plastic (-31.0%). Among the six activities that presented expansion, the main impacts came from automotive vehicles (33.8%) and non-metallic minerals (36.2%). Other two groups of industry that pressured positively, although, in a lower intensity, were the following: other chemical products (16.7%) and petroleum refining and alcohol production (6.9%).

The accumulated indicator in the first two months of this year indicated 0.8% of growth, a rhythm lower than the one of the last quarter of 2004 (2.9%), both comparisons with the same period of the previous year. Mining and quarrying sustained in the exploitation of petroleum and natural gas continued with a positive rate (2.1%), although with a result below the one registered in the last quarter of the previous year (5.0%). In the manufacturing industry (0.6%), it could be observed the favorable performance of the major part (eight) of the 12 industrial investigated groups of industry, specially non-metallic minerals (39.5%) and petroleum refining and alcohol production (9.6%). It can also be mentioned, the positive results of automotive vehicles (20.0%) and other chemical products (12.2%). On the other hand, basic metal products (-15.7%), edition and printing (-17.4%), pharmaceuticals (-14.3%) and rubber and plastic (-25.1%) were the four groups of the manufacturing industry that indicated fall.

São Paulo

In February, the industry of São Paulo presented positive results in the main indicators. In the comparison with February 2004, the production increased 5.9%, recording, in this way, the sixteenth consecutive positive rate. In the comparisons for larger periods, the industry of São Paulo continued to present expansion, 7.0% in the accumulated index of the year and 12.1% in the last twelve months, and it can be mentioned that its indexes remained above the national average in all the comparisons.

In the comparisons with February of the previous year, the increase was 5.9% as a consequence mainly, of the positive performance of 14 among 20 investigated groups of industry. The performances observed in automotive vehicles (10.4%), machines and equipment (15.2%), pharmaceuticals (41.6%) and edition and printing (27.9%) were determinant for the overall expansion of the industry of São Paulo. Among the six activities that presented fall, the main negative impacts came from electronic material and communication equipment (-23.9%) and petroleum refining and alcohol production (-11.2%).

The accumulated production in the first two months of the year increased 7.0%, a rhythm below than the one of the first quarter of 2004 (8.8%), both comparisons compared to the same period of the previous year. This positive index was influenced, mainly, by the increase observed in 15 among 20 surveyed industrial segments. The major influences in the overall result came from automotive vehicles (6.8%), machines and equipment (16.6%), pharmaceuticals (42.2%) and edition and printing (28.5%). On the other hand, again the performances of electronic material and communication equipment (-12.4%) and petroleum refining and alcohol production (-5.0%) were the ones which more impacted negatively the general index.

Paraná

In February 2005, the industrial indicators of Paraná presented positive results in the main types of comparison: compared to February 2004 the production increased 2.0%, in the accumulated index of the year 6.4% and in the accumulated index of the last twelve months 9.9%.

In February, the industry of Paraná showed a lower rhythm than in the previous months, with eight among 14 surveyed segments registering positive rates. Among these, the ones that more influenced the overall rate were the following: automotive vehicles (36.9%) and cellulose and paper (9.1%). Pressuring negatively stood out petroleum refining and alcohol production (-21.5%) and other chemical products (-23.2%).

In the accumulated indicator of the first two months of the year, nine segments increased the production, standing out automotive vehicles (36.2%), edition and printing (67.5%) and machines and equipment (10.2%), as the ones of major influence in the determination of the overall rate. Among the ones that recoiled the production (five), two had more expressive negative impacts: other chemical products (-35.1%) and petroleum refining and alcohol production (-10.6%).

Santa Catarina

The indicators of industrial production of Santa Catarina continued indicating, in February, considerably positive results: expansion of 9.9% in relation to February of 2004, 10.7% in the accumulated index of the year and 13.4% in the last twelve months.

In the comparison with February of the previous year, the increase of 9.9% was a consequence mainly of the favorable performance of the major part (nine) among 11 investigated groups of industry. The main positive contribution was observed in automotive vehicles, with atypical growth of 150.5%. Following, we can mention also the improvements in machines and equipment (11.1%), food products (5.0%) and textiles (9.8%). On the other hand, electric machines, equipment and materials (-11.1%) stood out as the main negative pressure in the formation of the overall rate.

With the accumulated production of the first two months of the year expanding 10.7%, the manufacturing sector presented a generalized profile of positive results, which reached nine among 11 investigated industrial activities. The more relevant contribution came from automotive vehicles (167.3%). Also it is important to point out the positive performance of the industries of food products (8.2%), textiles (11.7%) and wood (18.1%). On the other hand, electric machines, equipment and materials (-8.5%) were the main negative impact.

Rio Grande do Sul

In February, the industry of Rio Grande do Sul recoiled 1.8% in its physical production, being this one the second consecutive fall. The indicators for larger periods presented different results, the accumulated index in the year fell 1.6% and the accumulated index of the last twelve months presented growth of 6.0%.

In the comparison with the same month of the previous year, the result of –1.8% of the industry of the state was determined mainly by the negative performance of 10 among 14 surveyed segments. Among these, the more expressive were the following: petroleum refining and alcohol production (-15.2%), machines and equipment (-10.5%) and tobacco (-21.1%). Regarding the major positive impact in the overall result we observe the groups of food products (9.1%) and metal products (25.4%).

The decrease of 1.6% in the accumulated indicator of the year was a consequence of the recoils of seven among 14 surveyed groups of industry. The activities that presented the main falls in the overall result were machines and equipment (-11.8%), petroleum refining and alcohol production (-9.3%) and other chemical products (-6.5%). On the other hand, food products (8.8%) and metal products (13.7%) brought the major positive pressures over the overall result.

Goiás

In February, the industry of Goiás, in the comparison with the same month of the previous year, registered positive variation of 0.4% in its physical production, a result lower than that of January (1.9%). The accumulated indicator of the year presented growth of 1.1%. By its way, the accumulated indicator of the last twelve months presented a more expressive result, an expansion of 8.1%.

According to the monthly indicator, the industry of the state registered growth in four out of five surveyed segments. The positive contributions in the overall result came from mining and quarrying (12.6%) and basic metal products (13.8%). Nevertheless, the negative pressure that came from chemical products (-20.0%) made the overall result remain near zero.

The increase of 1.1% in the accumulated indicator of the year was a consequence of the growth of four among five surveyed activities. Among these the more expressive were basic metal products (13.8%) and mining and quarrying (8.4%). On the other hand, the negative contribution in the overall result came from chemical products (-12.2%).