The National Index of Civil Construction (Sinapi), estimated by IBGE in partnership with CAIXA, recorded a change of 0.31% in March, keeping the same percentage registered in February. Compared with March of 2011 (0.52%), the difference was of 0.21 percentage points. Considering the first three months of the year, the accumulated change of the index was 1.21%, higher than the same period in the previous year (1.18%). The result of the last twelve months was of 5.70%, below the 5.90% recorded in the immediately previous twelve months.

The complete publication of the survey can be accessed at: www.ibge.gov.br/english/estatistica/indicadores/precos/sinapi/default.shtm.

The national cost of construction per square meter, which in February was R$ 816.96, changed to R$ 819.53, R$ 446.42 relative to materials and R$ 373.11 to labor force.

The share of materials registered a change of 0.06%, contracting 0.03 percentage points in relation to the previous month (0.09%), while labor force registered an acceleration of 0.05 percentage points, changing from 0.58% in February to 0.63% in March. The accumulated indexes in twelve months were: 10.81% (labor force) and 1.76% (materials).

South region records the highest monthly change: 0.71%

The South region, up 0.71%, obtained the highest regional rate in March. The remaining results were: 0.40% (North); 0.39% (Northeast); 0.16% (Central-West); 0.15% (Southeast).

The regional costs, per square meter, were: R$855.37 (Southeast); R$ 833.50 (North); R$ 818.74 (Central-West); R$ 812.53 (South) and R$ 775.34 (Northeast).

Tocantins records the highest increase: 3.65%

Due to the pressure from salary increases following a collective work agreement, Tocantins registered the highest monthly rate, 3.65%.