The regional indexes of the industrial activity presented a scenario of positive results in 11 among 14 surveyed regions, in the comparison August 2005/August 2004. The industries of Amazonas and Bahia, both with expansion of 10.4%, registered the highest rates, followed by Goiás (5.0%), São Paulo (4.8%), Minas Gerais (4.7%) and Pernambuco (4.4%), which also increased above the overall average (3.8%). The other positive results came from: Rio de Janeiro (3.6%), Northeast region (2.9%), Espírito Santo (1.4%), Rio Grande do Sul (1.1%) and Pará (0.5%). On the other hand, the only localities which fell in August were: Ceará (-2.2%), Paraná (-3.4%) and Santa Catarina (-4.7%).

In the accumulated indicator of the year, all the localities, with the exception of Rio Grande do Sul (-3.3%), registered positive indexes. Among the 13 localities which recorded growth, Amazonas, with 17.8%, registered a two-digit rate (the highest rate), due, mainly, to increases in the production of durable consumer goods (mobile telephones and electrical and electronic equipment). Minas Gerais (7.1%), Goiás (6.5%), São Paulo (5.4%) and Paraná (5.2%) completed the group of localities which increased above the overall average (4.3%). The other localities had the following results: Bahia (4.1%), Northeast region (4.0%), Pará (3.8%), Ceará (3.1%), Santa Catarina (3.0%), Pernambuco (2.2%), Espírito Santo (1.6%) and Rio de Janeiro (1.2%).

It could be observed that the areas with more dynamism in the first eight months of the year were influenced by factors related to the increase in the manufacturing of durable goods, especially the production of mobile telephones and automobiles; and of semi durable and non-durable consumer goods, mainly due to the highest production of pharmaceuticals and of edition and printing. Besides these factors, stood out the good performance of export products.

Amazonas

In August, the industrial production of Amazonas expanded 10.4% in comparison with August/2004, totaling 13 months in a row of growth in this indicator. The accumulated results in the year and in the last twelve months were, respectively, 17.8% and 15.1%.

The increase of 10.4% of the monthly indicator was due by the expansion in six among 11 surveyed activities, standing out as the main contribution, electronic material and communication equipment (22.7%). The sectors of other transportation equipment (11.6%) and machines and equipment (47.1%) also had relevant results. On the other hand, the major negative impact came from food products and beverages (-10.6%).

In relation to the accumulated indicator of the year the growth of 17.8% showed the positive performance of eight among 11 surveyed activities. Electronic material and communication equipment, with increase of 37.5%, continued as the main contribution to the overall index. Food products and beverages (9.6%) and other transportation equipment (12.1%) also influenced positively. Among the activities with unfavorable performance stood out rubber and plastic (-21.5%).

Pará

The industry of Pará increased by 0.5% in the comparison August 2005/August 2004. The significant accumulated results in the year and in the last twelve months were, respectively, 3.8% and 6.6%.

According to the monthly indicator, the increase of 0.5% of the industrial production occurred due to three among six surveyed segments. In the formation of the overall rate, the major positive results came from food products and beverages (15.7%) and basic metal products (5.9%). On the other hand, wood (-16.1%) and cellulose and paper (-6.9%) had the main negative results.

The growth of 3.8% of the accumulated index January-August was determined, mainly, by the behavior of mining and quarrying (9.8%). Basic metal products (3.7%) also grew, while among the segments with a downward movement, stood out non-metallic minerals (-8.5%) and cellulose and paper (-6.5%).

Northeast

In August, the industrial production of the Northeast increased 2.9% in the comparison August 2005/August 2004. The indicators for longer periods also increased: 4.0% accumulated in the year and 6.0% in the last twelve months.

The increase of 2.9% in the monthly comparison was determined, mainly, by the behavior of petroleum refining and alcohol production (31.2%). Other five among eleven surveyed segments increased. Among these, the most significant were non-metallic minerals (9.9%) and electric materials, machines and equipment (19.0%). The major negative impacts came from apparel (-23.4%) and textiles (-7.1%).

The industry of the region grew by 4.0%, according to the indicator accumulated from January to August, due to the positive influence of eight among 11 surveyed activities, especially food products and beverages (6.1%), non-metallic minerals (17.6%) and chemical products (3.7%). The major negative impact came from mining and quarrying (-3.4%).

Ceará

In August, the industrial production of Ceará fell by 2.2% in relation to August/2004. Nevertheless, the accumulated results in the year and in the last twelve months continued positive and were, respectively, 3.1% and 8.3%.

Industry, for the second consecutive month, decreased in the monthly indicator. To this result (-2.2%), only four among ten surveyed industrial activities contributed negatively. The main negative impact came from food products and beverages (-8.8%), the activity with the highest participation in the industry. The fall of textiles (-8.9%) and apparel (-21.1%) can also be mentioned. Positively, stood out chemical products (23.4%) and footwear and leather articles (6.7%).

In the accumulated indicator of the year the industrial production increased 3.1%, with growth in seven among ten investigated sectors. The major positive influences came from non-metallic minerals (33.1%). On the other hand, the major negative results came from basic metal products (-18.4%) and food products and beverages (-0.9%).

Pernambuco

In August, Pernambuco registered expansion in the main industrial production indicators: 4.4% in the monthly indicator and 2.2%, in the accumulated index of the year, as well as in the accumulated index of the last twelve months.

Industry increased for the fourth consecutive month regarding the monthly indicator, although only five among eleven surveyed industrial activities obtained positive rates. The growth of 4.4% was supported by the atypical performance of electric machines, materials and equipment (42.5%). The contribution from chemical products (15.0%) is also relevant as well as the increase of rubber and plastic (27.0%). On the other hand, the main decreases came from textiles (-27.3%) and basic metal products (-6.0%).

In the accumulated indicator of the year, seven among 11 investigated surveyed activities had positive results. The main influences came from chemical products (11.4%) and food products and beverages (3.6%). On the other hand, the major negative impacts were observed in metal products (-15.6%) and textiles (-27.2%).

Bahia

The industrial production of Bahia, in August, registered expansion of 10.4% in relation to the same month of the previous year. In the other comparisons, the rates continued positive: 4.1% in the accumulated index of the year and 6.7% in the accumulated index of the last twelve months.

In the monthly indicator, there was expansion of seven among nine industrial activities surveyed. This result occurred, mainly due to the good performance of petroleum refining and alcohol production (37.6%). The increase indicated by cellulose and paper (12.9%) and automotive vehicles (55.4%) in a lower degree, can also be mentioned. On the opposite way, the two only decreases came from mining and quarrying (-5.5%) and basic metal products (-1.5%).

In the accumulated indicator of the year, there was expansion of seven among nine manufacturing sectors investigated. The main positive contributions came from petroleum refining and alcohol production (4.9%) and from food products and beverages (9.1%). From the negative side, falls were observed in basic metal products (-5.2%) and mining and quarrying (-2.8%).

Minas Gerais

The industrial production of Minas Gerais increased, in August, 4.7% in the comparison with the same month of the previous year, a value above the one observed at national level (3.8%). Expansion was also observed in the accumulated indicator of the year and in the accumulated index of the last twelve months, 7.1% and 6.6%, respectively.

In relation to August 2004, the state industrial production increased 4.7%, supported by growth registered in manufacturing (3.8%) as well as mining and quarrying (10.2%). Among the 12 activities, seven increased, standing out metal products (59.3%), food products (7.6%) and petroleum refining and alcohol production (8.3%). On the other hand, stood out the negative influences of basic metal products (-2.7%) and other chemical products (-5.4%).

The growth of 7.1% in the accumulated indicator of the year showed mainly, the increase observed in 10 among 13 surveyed activities. The main positive highlights were mining and quarrying (13.7%), automotive vehicles (13.9%) and metal products (40.9%). Among the negative results basic metal products (-4.7%) brought the main influence.

Espírito Santo

The indicators of industrial production of Espírito Santo, in August, were positive in the main types of comparison. In relation to the same month of the previous year, the production increased 1.4%; in the accumulated index of the year an expansion of 1.6% was observed, and in the accumulated index in the last twelve months, 3.5% was recorded.

The monthly indicator recorded 1.4% of growth after a decrease observed in the months of July (-7.2%) and June (-3.2%). The majority of the surveyed groups of industry had a positive performance. We can point out as the main impacts in the composition of the overall rate: non-metallic minerals (14.2%), with the major rate in this type of comparison; mining and quarrying (3.6%) and basic metal products (2.7%), recovering from the significant falls observed in July (-26.7%) and June (-17.9%). Cellulose and paper was the only activity that decreased (-11.2%).

Production, regarding the indicator accumulated in the year, increased 1.6% in comparison with the same period of the previous year, maintaining the same productive rhythm of the accumulated index of the year up to July (1.6%). The segments that increased were the following: food products and beverages (4.8%), mining and quarrying (2.1%) and manufacturing of cellulose and paper (2.5%). On the other hand, basic metal products (-2.6%) was the only activity of which production decreased.

Rio de Janeiro

Industry in Rio de Janeiro reached in August an expansion of 3.6% in relation to the same month of the previous year, changing a sequence of two months with negative results in this type of comparison. The indicators for longer periods also brought positive rates, although below the national average: 1.2% in the accumulated index of the year and 1.8% in the last twelve months.

In comparison with the same month of the previous year, the industrial production of the state increased (3.6%), mainly due to the favorable behavior registered in mining and quarrying (13.7%). In this activity, which had the sixth positive consecutive result, the main highlight came from natural gas and petroleum extraction. Manufacturing industry continued to expand (1.6%) after three months indicating negative rates. The major positive rates came from the pharmaceutical industry (30.8%) and beverages (24.5%). Among the six activities which reduced the production, stood out basic metal products (-8.7%), rubber and plastic (-25.9%), other chemical products (-10.2%) and petroleum refining and alcohol production (-5.2%).

In the accumulated indicator January-August, compared to the same period of 2004, the industry of the state increased 1.2%, with six among 13 surveyed segments indicating increase in the production. The positive performance of mining and quarrying (13.8%) during the year, supported mainly by the natural gas and petroleum extraction, was the main determinant for the maintenance of the overall index. In the manufacturing industry, which fell 1.4%, basic metal products (-10.6%) and rubber and plastic (-24.5%) answered for the main negative impacts. On the other hand, the major positive contributions continued to be observed in non-metallic minerals (26.6%) and automotive vehicles (17.3%).

São Paulo

In August, the industry of São Paulo registered positive results above the overall average. In the comparisons with the previous year, the indexes were the following: 4.8% in relation to August 2004, 5.4% in the accumulated index of the year and 7.1% in the accumulated index of the last twelve months. Industry was stimulated, mainly, by some segments related to the manufacturing of semi durable and non-durable consumer goods.

In the comparison August 05/ August 04, the industry of the state had the twenty second positive consecutive rate. São Paulo had the third major rate among the surveyed sectors (Amazonas and Bahia changed 10.4% and Goiás 5.0%). Eleven among 20 activities increased the production, especially, in terms of influence in the overall result, pharmaceuticals (31.5%), edition and printing (23.5%) and petroleum refining and alcohol production (8.0%). On the other hand, the main negative impacts came from electronic material and communication equipment (-10.8%) and textiles (-11.4%).

In the accumulated period January-August, expansion was observed in 15 segments, among which pharmaceuticals (26.3%), edition and printing (20.8%) and machines and equipment (9.8%) brought the main positive contributions. On the other hand, the segments who brought the main negative influences in this type of comparison were electronic material and communication equipment (-5.2%) and textiles (-7.7%).

Paraná

In August, the industrial activity in Paraná fell by 3.4% compared to August /2004. As a consequence, the indicators for longer periods reduced the growing rhythm. The accumulated index January-August increased by 5.2% compared to 6.7% in the period January/July; the accumulated index in the last twelve months increased by 8.2% in August, against 10.3% up to July.

In relation to August of the previous year, the industry of the state had the second monthly consecutive negative result. The main negative impact came from machines and equipment (-27.1%). Food products (-6.0%) had the second major negative influence upon the overall rate, followed by wood (-20.7%). The three most significant positive results, were observed in cellulose and paper (10.7%), automotive vehicles (4.1%) and edition and printing (7.3%).

The accumulated indicator in the year indicated expansion of 5.2%, loosing rhythm compared to the months of July (6.7%) and June (8.0%). The performance of this month was due, mainly, to automotive vehicles (24.7%), petroleum refining and alcohol production (22.2%) and edition and printing (32.5%). On the other hand, the major negative influences came from other chemical products (-25.9%) and wood (-9.0%).

Santa Catarina

The industrial production in Santa Catarina had, in August, a decrease of 4.7% compared to the same month of the previous year, this being the second consecutive negative rate in this type of comparison. As a consequence, the accumulated indicator in the year remained in 3.0%, below 4.2% observed in July. The accumulated indicator in the last twelve months maintained the deceleration of growth, changing from 8.0% in July to 5.8% in August.

In the comparison August 05 / August 04, the decrease of 4.7% in the overall result showed the adverse behavior in five among 11 investigated segments. This negative index was influenced, mainly, by decreases in apparel (-23.6%) and in machines and equipment (-14.4%). The negative contribution although in a lower scale, from electric machines, equipment and materials (-21.0%) may also be mentioned. On the other hand, the performance in automotive vehicles (11.5%) and textiles (4.5%) accounted for the main positive results.

In the accumulated production January-August, compared to the equivalent period in 2004, expansion reached eight among eleven surveyed activities. The main positive highlights came from automotive vehicles (57.7%) and food products (4.2%). The favorable performance of textiles, with increase of 7.3% can also be mentioned. On the other hand, the three activities that fell were machines and equipment (-7.9%), apparel (-10.0%) and electric machines, equipment and materials (-12.4%).

Rio Grande do Sul

In August, industry in Rio Grande do Sul, had expansion of 1.1% in relation to August/2004 after seven consecutive negative results in this type of comparison. Regarding the indicators for longer periods, they continued to fall: -3.3% in the accumulated index of the year and –1.5% in the accumulated index of the last twelve months.

The increase of 1.1% in the monthly indicator showed mainly the positive performance of seven among 14 surveyed activities. Among these, the most significant were tobacco (37.3%), petroleum refining and alcohol production (30.8%) and automotive vehicles (9.9%). On the other hand, machines and equipment (-16.8%) and footwear and leather articles (-10.1%) brought the main negative influences.

The accumulated index of the year fell by 3.3% due to deceleration in nine surveyed sectors. The major negative contributions in the overall result came from machines and equipment (-19.5%) and other chemical products (-6.3%). The activities food products (3.1%) and metal products (3.7%) stood out among the five segments which increased the production.

Goiás

The industrial indicators of Goiás, in August, had positive results in the main comparisons. In relation to August 2004, the production increased 5.0%. In the accumulated indicator of the year it increased 6.5% and in the accumulated index of the last twelve months, 9.0%.

The growth of 5.0% compared to the same month of the previous year, if compared to the rates of July (6.3%) and June (10.6%), had a relative loss in rhythm. Four among five surveyed sectors increased the production. The major positive impact on the overall rate came from food products and beverages (4.7%), followed by basic metal products (18.3%). The only sector with decrease in the production was mining and quarrying (-3.4%).

In relation to the accumulated indicator in the year, the index of August indicated expansion of 6.5%, keeping practically the same level of the last three months. In this type of comparison, the activity with the major positive result was food products and beverages (8.0%), followed by basic metal products (13.2%) and mining and quarrying (6.5%). The only negative result came from chemical products (-5.7%).