The National Index of Construction (Sinapi), calculated by IBGE in partnership with CAIXA, changed by 0.37%, in April, resulting in deceleration of 0.39 percentage points in comparison to the rate in March (0.76%). Compared to the figure in April 2009 (0.32%), the current index increased 0.05 percentage points. From January to April, the index accumulated 2.00%, close to the 1.98% observed in the same period last year. In the last twelve months, the change rate was 5.86%, above the 5.81% registered in the immediately previous twelve months. 

The national cost of construction by square meter, which had been R$ 727.94 in March, changed to R$ 730.66 in April, being R$ 418.65 relative to material and R$ 312.01 to manpower. 

Material changed by 0.45%, and was above the rate of March (0.35%). Manpower decreased by 1.04 percentage points, having changed from 1.31% (March) to 0.27% (April). 

In the year, material rose 1.46% and manpower, 2.74%. In the last twelve months, the accumulated indexes were: 3.76% (material) and 8.83% (manpower). 

Central West region was the highlight in April

Affected by the result of Mato Grosso do Sul, the index relative to the Central West Region was 1.15%, the highest regional rate in April. The Northeast Region had the lowest monthly rate (0.20%).

The other indexes had the following changes: 0.45%, in the North; 0.37%, in the South and 0.30%, in the Southeast Region. 

The highest indexes accumulated in the year and in the last few months were those in the North (3.54% and 8.05%, respectively). The lowest results in these periods were those of the South Region (1.02% and 5.27%). 

Regional costs by square meter were: R$ 769.56 (Southeast); R$ 740.91 (North); R$ 709.65 (South); R$ 700.80 (Central West) and R$ 690.84 (Northeast).

Mato Grosso do Sul recorded the biggest increase

Mato Grosso do Sul had, in April, the biggest increase in construction cost (3.95%) due to salary changes resulting from a collective agreement. Paraná (0.04%), Pernambuco (0.06%) and Roraima (0.08%) had the lowest monthly rates. These states also presented the lowest indexes accumulated in the year: Pernambuco (0.42%), Roraima (0.44%) and Paraná (0.46%).