The industrial production had, in February, a scenario of positive results in 11 among 14 surveyed areas, in comparison with the same month of 2005.  Above the rate registered in national level (5.4%) were Amazonas (18.0%), Rio de Janeiro (9.9%), Pará (9.1%), Ceará (8.8%), Bahia (7.5%) and Minas Gerais (7.1%).  With growth below the national average were São Paulo (5.1%), Northeast Region (3.6%), Goiás (3.0%), Pernambuco (1.2%) and Espírito Santo (1.1%). Three localities had decrease in the production: Santa Catarina (-0.2%), Rio Grande do Sul (-1.3%) and Paraná (-7.4%).

In the indicator accumulated for the first two months of the year, 12 among 14 surveyed regions registered positive rates, except Rio Grande do Sul (-1.9%) and Paraná (-6.8%).  The industries of Amazonas, with 11.9%, and of Pará (10.0%) showed a two-digit figure, supported, mainly, in the favorable performances of electronic and communication material (television sets) and mining and quarrying (iron ore). Ceará (9.3%), Rio de Janeiro (7.8%), Bahia (7.0%) and Minas Gerais (6.1%) completed the group of localities with rates above the average of the industry (4.2%).  The other localities had the following results: São Paulo (3.4%), Pernambuco (2.9%), Northeast Region (2.7%), Espírito Santo (2.3%), Goiás (2.2%) and Santa Catarina (1.1%).  It could also be observed that the areas with major dynamism in the first two months of the year were directly influenced by factors related to the enlargement of the manufacturing of consumer goods (durable and semi and non-durable), to the positive performance of producing sectors of capital goods (items associated to electricity, computer equipment and mobile telephony), and the manufacturing of typically export- products.

In comparison with the index of the last quarter of 2005, the accumulated index for January-February 2006 indicated acceleration of the rhythm in national level (from 1.3% to 4.2%) and in 12 among 14 surveyed localities.  This trend was more pronounced in Ceará (from -7.9% to 9.3%), Amazonas (from 1.9% to 11.9%) and Pará (from 3.9% to 10.0%).

Amazonas

The industrial production of Amazonas, in February, increased by 18.0% compared to the same month of the previous year.  The indicator accumulated in the first two months of 2006 increased by 11.9% and the indicator accumulated in the last twelve months, increased by 11.8%.

In the comparison February 06/ February 05, the expansion of 18.0% showed the positive performance of nine among eleven industrial sectors investigated. This result was influenced, mainly, by the increase of electronic material and communication equipment (21.7%), which continued as the most dynamic sector of the industry of Amazonas.  It can also be mentioned the positive performance of other transport equipment (30.1%) and, in a lower scale, of food products and beverages (9.1%).  On the other hand, chemical products (-21.2%) and mining and quarrying (-13.9%) brought the only negative influences.

In the indicator accumulated of the first two months of this year, there was an increase in the production in seven among 11 activities.  The most important expansion for the overall industry was once again observed in electronic material and communication equipment (18.0%).  It can also be mentioned the positive contribution, in a lower degree, of other transportation equipment (26.4%).  On the other hand, food products and beverages, with decrease of 8.4%, and chemical products (-15.8%) brought the main negative results in the formation of the overall index.

Pará

The industry of Pará, in February, registered expansion of 9.1% in the comparison with the same month of the previous year. The indicators for larger periods also increased: 10.0% in the accumulated index of the year and 4.5% in the accumulated index of the last twelve months.

The increase of 9.1% in the monthly indicator of the industry was determined, in a large scale, by the good performance of mining and quarrying (21.3%).  Following, it can be pointed out the positive performance of basic metallurgy (10.5%).  On the other hand, the major negative impact came from wood (-15.9%).

In the indicator accumulated January-February, compared to same period of the previous year, the industry of the state grew (10.0%), with mining and quarrying (25.3%) as the main determinant in the formation of the overall rate.  In the manufacturing industry, with decrease of 0.8%, the relevant positive performance was observed in basic metallurgy (3.7%), while the only two negative contributions came from wood (-10.2%) and food products and beverages (-4.2%).

Northeast

In February, the industrial production of the Northeast increased by 3.6% in the comparison with the same month of the previous year.  The indicators for longer periods also increased: 2.7% in the indicator accumulated of the year and 1.3% in the indicator accumulated of the last twelve months.

The increase of 3.6%, in the monthly index, was due mainly to the positive performance observed in six among 11 surveyed segments, with the main highlights coming from food products and beverages (7.0%), cellulose and paper (38.9%) and basic metallurgy (14.1%).  On the other hand, the major negative impacts came from apparel (-23.0%) and petroleum refining and alcohol production (-3.3%).

In the indicator accumulated January-February, compared to the same period of the previous year, the growth of the industry of the Northeast showed the increase in the production in seven among 11 surveyed activities. The major positive impacts in the overall result came from cellulose and paper (32.0%), basic metallurgy (13.5%) and non-metallic minerals (9.3%).  The main negative influence came from apparel (-23.1%).

Ceará

In February, the industrial production of Ceará registered expansion of 8.8% in the comparison with the same month of the previous year.  In the other indicators the results were the following: 9.3% in the accumulated index of the year and -1.3% in the accumulated index of the last twelve months.

In the monthly indicator, the industry of the state grew by 8.8%, with positive results in eight among 10 surveyed industrial activities, standing out food products and beverages (9.2%). It can also mentioned the growth observed in electric machines, equipment and material (112.0%), as a consequence of a low base of comparison, and the expansion of footwear and leather articles (8.5%). On the other hand, significant decreases came from apparel (-22.0%) and non-metallic minerals (-20.3%).

In the indicator accumulated of the two first months of the year (9.3%), there was increase in eight among 10 surveyed industrial segments.  The main positive contribution came from chemical products (43.3%). Other relevant positive impacts came from electric machines, equipment and material (62.7%) and petroleum refining and alcohol production (31.5%).  On the other hand, the major reductions came from apparel (-18.9%) and non-metallic minerals (-23.7%).

Pernambuco

The industry of Pernambuco, in February, had expansion of 1.2% in relation to the same month of the previous year. In the comparisons with longer periods, the results were also positive: 2.9% in the indicator accumulated in the year and 2.5% in the indicator accumulated of the last twelve months.

In the monthly index (1.2%), there were positive results in eight among 11 surveyed activities. The main positive impacts were observed in basic metallurgy (14.6%), food products and beverages (4.7%) and rubber and plastic (30.1%). On the other hand, the major negative results came from chemical products (-24.2%) and petroleum refining and alcohol production (-58.1%).

In the comparison with the index accumulated in the first two months of the year, compared to the same period of 2006, there was expansion of 2.9%, with growth in six among 11 investigated industrial sectors.  The major positive contribution came from food products and beverages (6.9%).  It can also be mentioned the good performance of basic metallurgy (19.7%) and rubber and plastic (26.1%).  Among the activities with negative rates, the main decreases came from chemical products (-17.5%) and petroleum refining and alcohol production (-36.9%).

Bahia

In February 2006, the industrial production of Bahia increased by 7.5% in relation to the same month of the previous year. In the comparisons for longer periods, the rates continued positive: 7.0% in the indicator accumulated in the year and 4.3% in the indicator accumulated in the last twelve months.

For the formation of the rate of 7.5%, eighth consecutive positive result, seven among nine sectors contributed positively, especially cellulose and paper (44.1%). It can also be mentioned the good performance of petroleum refining and alcohol production (8.3%) and basic metallurgy (12.4%). On the other hand, the most significant negative impacts came from food products and beverages (-3.5%) and automotive vehicles (-9.9%).

In the indicator accumulated of the first two months of the year, compared to the same period of the previous year, the industry of the state expanded by 7.0%, with positive rates in seven among nine investigated segments. The main positive influences came from petroleum refining and alcohol production (12.8%), showing the major production of diesel oil and fuel oils, and lubricant oil; and cellulose and paper (36.0%) due to the increase in the manufacturing of cellulose.  On the other hand, the major decreases came from food products and beverages (-5.4%) and automotive vehicles (-7.9%). In these sectors stood out the decreases in the items: refined soybean oil and flower and “pellets” of the extraction of soy bean oil, and automobiles.

Minas Gerais

The industrial production of Minas Gerais increased by 7.1%, in February, in relation to the same month of the previous year, reaching the thirty-first positive consecutive result in this type of comparison.  It could also be observed expansion in the indicator accumulated of the year (6.1%) and indicator accumulated of the last twelve months (6.2%).  All the indexes were above the ones observed on the average in the country: 5.4%, 4.2% and 3.0%, respectively.

In relation to February 2005, the industrial production of the state increased by 7.1%, with a growth registered in the mining and quarrying industry (13.4%), which stood out with the main impacts on the overall result, as well as in the manufacturing industry (6.1%).  In this last one, among the 12 activities surveyed, 11 had increase, standing out automotive vehicles (21.7%).  Relevant positive results were also observed in the groups food products (3.6%) and non-metallic minerals (6.9%).  The only activity which brought a negative influence was other chemical products (-2.6%).

In relation to the indicator accumulated in the two first months of the year, the growth of 6.1% occurred mainly due to the expansion of mining and quarrying (13.8%).  The manufacturing industry (4.9%) also had increase, with positive results in 10 among 12 surveyed sectors. The major positive impacts came from automotive vehicles (13.5%), food products (5.8%) and non-metallic minerals (11.7%).  On the other hand the main negative contribution came from basic metallurgy (-1.7%).

Espírito Santo

In February 2006, the industrial indicators of Espírito Santo indicated positive rates in its main comparisons: 1.1% in the comparison with same month of previous year; 2.3% in the indicator accumulated of the first two months of the year; and 1.2% in the indicator accumulated of the last twelve months.

The overall positive result (1.1%), in the comparison with the same month of the previous year, occurred mainly, due to the favorable performance of the manufacturing industry (4.5%), once mining and quarrying fell by 6.8%. In the manufacturing industry, all the segments surveyed had positive rates, with food products (7.6%) bringing the major influence. Following, came the increments of basic metallurgy (3.9%) and non-metallic minerals (6.0%).

The increase in the production accumulated in the first two months of the year, compared to a similar period of the previous year, was a consequence of the major dynamism in the manufacturing industry (5.8%).  In this sector, three among four surveyed activities had increase, especially basic metallurgy with 8.5%, and food products and beverages (9.4%).  On the other hand, cellulose and paper (-0.4%) was the only group of the manufacturing industry which fell.  Mining and quarrying, with reduction of 6.4%, brought the main negative impact to the overall industrial average.

Rio de Janeiro

The industry of Rio de Janeiro showed, in February, increase of 9.9% compared to the same month of the previous year, maintaining a sequence of seven positive results in this type of comparison. The indicators accumulated of the year and indicator accumulated of the last twelve months also recorded positive rates: 7.8% and 3.1%, respectively.

In the expansion of 9.9% observed in the comparison February 06/ February 05, major result since December 2002, nine out of 13 surveyed activities contributed positively. The favorable performance of mining and quarrying (19.8%), which maintained the growth of the two-digit rates, was the main determinant to the formation of the positive overall average.  In the manufacturing industry, which also indicated increase in the production (7.7%), pharmaceuticals, with a non-typical growth of 76.7%, and food products (34.4%) brought the major positive impacts. Other relevant positive contributions came from beverages (27.4%) and edition and printing (16.6%).  Among the four groups with negative rates, the main impact came from basic metallurgy (-23.5%).

The accumulated production in the first two months of the year (7.8%) increased in a rhythm above the one of the last quarter of 2005 (3.4%), both comparisons with the same period of the previous year. This positive index was influenced, mainly, by the increase in eight among 13 surveyed industrial segments coming from mining and quarrying (18.9%) the major contribution to the overall result.  The manufacturing industry also showed growth in the production (5.3%), with food products (22.9%), beverages (17.6%), pharmaceuticals (19.9%), edition and printing (13.2%) and automotive vehicles (14.9%) bringing the major positive contributions.  On the other hand, once again the adverse performance observed in basic metallurgy (-4.4%) was the one which most influenced negatively the overall index.

São Paulo

The industry of São Paulo showed, in February, positive results in the main indicators. In the comparison with February 2005, the production increased by 5.1%, the fifth positive consecutive rate. In the accumulated index of the first two months of the year, there was growth of 3.4% and in the index accumulated of the last twelve months, increase of 3.2%. This last result was the only one above the national average (3.0%).

In the monthly indicator, the growth of 5.1% showed, mainly, the positive performance of 15 among 20 investigated industrial groups, while in January, 12 were the ones which increased in this comparison.  Pharmaceuticals (36.4%), machines and equipment (7.8%) and automotive vehicles (5.0%) brought the main contributions to the expansion in the total of the industry of the state. Among the five sectors with fall, the major negative impacts were observed in metal products (-10.4%), basic metallurgy (-5.8%) and perfumery, soaps and cleaning products (-5.8%).

The accumulated production in the first two months of the year increased by 3.4%, a rhythm above the one of the last quarter of 2005 (1.5%), both comparisons with the same period of the previous year. This result was influenced, mainly, by the increase observed in 13 among 20 segments.  Electronic material and communication equipment (24.6%), pharmaceuticals (15.9%) and automotive vehicles (6.4%) brought the major contributions to the overall index. On the other hand, edition and printing (-4.4%), basic metallurgy (-7.6%) and metal products (-6.7%) were the groups that most influenced negatively the overall rate.

Paraná

In February, the industrial production of Paraná fell by 7.4% in relation to the same month of the previous year, eighth consecutive fall in this type of comparison. Consequently, the accumulated indicator in the year also indicated a negative result (-6.8%) and, the indicator accumulated of the last twelve months continued in a downward trend, registering the first negative rate (-0.6%) since April 2003.

In February, the fall of 7.4% occurred mainly due to the negative results of eight among 14 surveyed sectors. The main highlights were machines and equipment (-29.5%), automotive vehicles (-16.2%) and edition and printing (-36.0%).  On the other hand, petroleum refining and alcohol production (23.4%) stood out as the main positive influence.

In the accumulated indicator of the first two months of the year, in the comparison with the same period of the previous year, eight among 14 investigated groups fell, standing out as the main contributions for the formation of the overall index: automotive vehicles (-24.6%), edition and printing   (-26.9%) and machines and equipment (-18.4%).  The major positive contributions were observed in petroleum refining and alcohol (10.7%) and cellulose and paper (9.0%).

Santa Catarina

The industry of Santa Catarina showed in February, a slight decrease (-0.2%) compared to the same month of the previous year, changing the positive result observed in January (2.4%). In the indicators for longer periods, it presented expansion in the index accumulated in the year (1.1%), while it indicated fall (-1.2%) in the index accumulated in the last twelve months.

In the decrease of 0.2%, in the monthly index, equilibrium was observed among the groups that had negative (six) and those with positive rates (five).  The main negative contribution came from food products (-6.7%). Following, it should be mentioned the decreases in wood (-20.6%) and in machines and equipment (-7.2%).  On the other hand, automotive vehicles (30.2%) brought the major positive influence on the formation of the overall rate.  The favorable performances of rubber and plastic (13.9%) and electric machines, equipment and material (17.0%) also stood out.

With the production accumulated in the first two months of the year increasing 1.1%, a rhythm which changed the fall observed in the last quarter of 2005 (-3.7%), the industry of the state had predominantly positive results, which reached seven among 11 investigated industrial activities. The more relevant contributions came from automotive vehicles (26.9%) and rubber and plastic (20.9%). Electric machines, equipment and material (13.3%) and cellulose and paper (4.6%) also stood out. Among the activities which fell, food products (-5.8%) and wood (-19.3%) brought the major negative impacts.

Rio Grande do Sul

In February, the industry of Rio Grande do Sul registered decrease of 1.3% in the comparison with the same month of the previous year. The indicators for longer periods also fell: -1.9% in the indicator accumulated of the year and -3.6% in the accumulated indicator of the last twelve months.

The decrease of 1.3%, observed in the comparison with the same month of the previous year, was determined, mainly, by the negative performance in seven among 14 surveyed segments. The more relevant negative impacts came from machines and equipment (-17.0%), footwear and leather articles (-8.6%) and metal products (-16.2%).  On the other hand, the major positive influences in the overall result came from tobacco (39.8%) and beverages (29.1%).

The decrease of 1.9% in the indicator accumulated of the year, compared to a similar period of the previous year, showed mainly the decreases in eight among 14 surveyed groups.  The activities which indicated the main negative influences in the overall result were machines and equipment (-18.8%), petroleum refining and alcohol production (-10.1%) and footwear and leather articles (-6.7%). Among the activities which showed increase in the production, tobacco (30.0%) and food products (5.1%) brought the major positive contributions.

Goiás

In February, the main indicators of the industrial production of Goiás were positive: 3.0% in the comparison with the same month of the previous year, 2.2% in the indicator accumulated of the first two months of the year and 3.4% in the indicator accumulated of the last twelve months.

The industry of the state increased by 3.0%, in relation to the same month of the previous year, supported mainly by the favorable performance of three among five surveyed activities, especially food products and beverages (4.8%). Following, it should be mentioned the increases observed in basic metallurgy (15.6%) and non-metallic minerals (18.1%).  On the other hand, the main group with fall in the production was chemical products (-14.2%).

The indicator accumulated in the first two months of the year, compared to a similar period of the previous year, was positive (2.2%), with four among five surveyed activities bringing favorable results. In the manufacturing industry (6.7%), all the groups had positive rates, with food products (5.2%), non-metallic minerals (21.7%) and basic metallurgy (13.5%) as the highlights.  On the other hand, mining and quarrying, which fell 38.2%, brought the only negative influence on the overall industrial average.