The National Index of Civil Construction (Sinapi), estimated by IBGE in partnership with CAIXA, recorded a change of 0.18% in March, dropping 0.55 percentage points in relation to February (0.73%). The index changed 1.10% in the period from January to March 2013, against 1.21% in the same period of 2012. The result of the last twelve months was 5.55%, below the 5.69% recorded in the immediately previous twelve months. The index was 0.31% in March 2012.

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$ 863.46, changed to R$ 865.03 in March, being R$ 457.60 relative to materials and R$ 407.43 to labor force.

The share relative to labor force registered a change of 0.22%, 0.11 percentage points lower than that in the previous month (0.33%). Labor force recorded a change of 0.14%, 1.04 percentage points lower than that in February (1.18%). The cumulative indexes in the first three months of the year were 0.84% (materials) and 1.39% (labor force), while the cumulative indexes in 12 months were 2.50% (materials) and 9.20% (labor force).

South Region registered the highest change (0.68%) in March

By changing 0.79% in Paraná, 0.12% in Santa Catarina and 1.05% in Rio Grande do Sul, the South Region recorded the highest regional rate in March (0.68%). The remaining results were: 0.22% (North), 0.22% (Northeast), 0.04% (Southeast) and -0.06% (Central-West). 

The regional costs, per square meter, were:  R$ 881.27 (North), R$ 810.51 (Northeast), R$ 901.20 (Southeast), R$ 867.67 (Central-West) and R$ 878.63 (South).

Piauí and Rondônia registered the highest rises

Due to the pressure from salary increases following a collective work agreement, Piauí and Rondônia registered the highest monthly rates: 3.82% and 3.46%, respectively.