The regional indexes seasonally adjusted showed, from January to February, expansion in 7 among 14 surveyed localities.  All the areas with growth had rates above the national average (0.3%), especially São Paulo (2.3%).  Among the areas with reduction in the production, stood out Rio de Janeiro (-5.4%), Bahia (-6.0%), Amazonas (-6.7%) and Goiás (-10.1%).

The quarterly moving average index (indicator of trend) in this beginning of year showed stability (0.1%) between January and February for the total of the industry.  In the analysis by areas, 6 among 14 surveyed localities showed a positive result in this comparison. Santa Catarina (1.2%), Rio Grande do Sul (1.1%), Amazonas (0.9%) and São Paulo (0.8%) had the most pronounced gains, while Rio de Janeiro (-1.0%), Goiás (-1.3%) and Pará (-1.5%) had the most marked reductions.  The other localities had results close to stability.

Compared to February 2006, the regional indexes had positive rates in the major part (9) of the 14 surveyed localities.  The main highlights were observed in Espírito Santo (8.4%), Paraná (8.3%), Pernambuco (7.2%), Pará (7.0%) and Rio Grande do Sul (5.6%). São Paulo (3.5%), Minas Gerais (3.3%), Santa Catarina (3.3%) and Northeast Region (3.2%) also grew above the national average (3.0%).  Still with positive rates, although below the growth of the country, were Goiás (0.8%) and Ceará (0.3%).  There was decrease in the production in three states: Bahia (-0.2%), Rio de Janeiro (-2.1%) and Amazonas (-12.0%).

In the accumulated index of the first two months of the year, compared to the same period of 2006, there is a generalized profile of expansion, which reached 12 among 14 surveyed localities. In this index, the leadership in terms of growth came from Goiás (9.2%) and Pará (8.9%).  With rates above the national average (3.8%) were Espírito Santo (6.4%), Rio Grande do Sul (5.8%), Paraná (5.7%), Pernambuco (5.6%), Minas Gerais (4.7%) and Northeast Region (4.0%).  The other localities with positive results were Bahia and São Paulo, both with 3.3%, Santa Catarina (2.8%) and Rio de Janeiro (0.1%).  On the other hand, Amazonas and Ceará registered losses of –2.7% and –2.8% respectively.

In the national industry, a slight acceleration in the rhythm of production from the fourth quarter of 2006 (3.2%) to the first two months of 2007 (3.8%) was recorded, both comparisons with the same periods of the previous year.  This trend reached 8 among 14 surveyed localities, standing out the increases of Goiás (from an expansion of 4,4% in the period October-December to 9.2% in the first two months of 2007) and of Rio Grande do Sul (from 1.2% to 5.8%).  On the other hand, the major deceleration observed in this comparison occurred in Ceará (from 8.0% to –2.8%).

Amazonas

The industrial production in February decreased (-6.7%) in the comparison with the immediately previous month, after having increased by 11.9% in January.  Even with this decrease, the quarterly moving average index increased by 0.9% between the quarters closed in January and February.

In relation to February 2006, the reduction was of -12.0%, after growing by 8.3% in January.  Hence, the index accumulated in the first two months of 2007 showed decrease (-2.7%). The index accumulated in the last 12 months showed the descending trend in the rhythm of production, changing from -1.9% in January to -4.0% in February.

In the comparison February 07/ February 06, the decrease of -12,0% occurred mainly, due to the negative performances of electronic material and communication equipment (-43.9%), with decreases in the manufacturing of mobile telephones and television sets.  The other three groups that reduced the production were medical products, appliances and equipment (-33.7%), rubber and plastic (-38.3%) and petroleum refining and alcohol production (-13.3%). Edition and printing (78.8%), machines and equipment (48.8%), food products and beverages (12.0%) and metal products (28.3%) brought the main positive results.

In the indicator accumulated in the first two months of this year (-2.7%), 5 among 11 surveyed sectors had decrease in the production. The negative most relevant influence in the overall result came from electronic material and communication equipment (-36.6%).  On the other hand, the main positive result came from food products and beverages (27.9%).

Pará

In February, the industry decreased by –3.7% compared to January, nullifying the positive result registered in the previous month (3.7%).  The indicator of the quarterly moving average showed decrease (-1.5%) among the quarters closed in January and February.

In the comparisons with 2006, there was increase compared to February (7.0%) as well as in the index accumulated in the first two months of the year (8.9%).  The annualized rate (accumulated in the last 12 months) was almost stable from January (14.2%) to February (14.0%).

The increase of 7.0% compared to February 2006 had as the main determinant the expansion in mining and quarrying (18.0%), due, mainly, to the major dynamism in the extraction of iron ores. The industry of manufacturing fell (-2.0%), with three among five sectors showing negative rates, such as wood (-14.9%) and non-metallic minerals (-20.7%).

In the index accumulated January-February, compared to the similar period of the previous year, the increase of 8.9% was sustained, mainly, by the increases in mining and quarrying (13.9%) and basic metallurgy (14.2%).  The main negative result came from wood (-11.5%).

Northeast Region

The industrial production decreased by –0.4% from January to February, after growing by 4.1%. Even with the reduction, the quarterly moving average continued stable for the third consecutive month.

In the comparison with the same month of the previous year, the industry of the Northeast increased by 3.2%, accumulating expansion of 4.0% in the first two months of the year, a result above the one observed in the last quarter of 2006 (2.5%).  The indicator accumulated in the last 12 months (3.5%) repeated the result of January.

In the comparison with February of the previous year, 5 among 11 surveyed sectors had increase in the production.  The major positive contribution was observed in food products and beverages (10.8%).  Following, it is worth mentioning petroleum refining and alcohol production (3.4%) and chemical products (2.0%).  The major negative results were observed in textiles (-5.3%) and mining and quarrying (-4.7%).

In the indicator accumulated in the first two months, the industry of the Northeast increased by 4.0%, with positive rates in 7 among 11 activities. Stood out the contributions of food products and beverages (10.7%), chemical products (6.7%) and basic metallurgy (4.7%).  The most significant negative results came from textiles (-6.5%) and mining and quarrying (-4.1%).

Ceará

The industrial production of February increased by 3.8% in relation to the immediately previous month, after falling by –4.3%.  With this result, the quarterly moving average increased by 0.3% among the quarters closed in January and February, changing a sequence of four negative rates, period in which it accumulated a loss of –2.6%.

In the comparison with the similar month of the previous year, there was a positive change of 0.3%, after a decrease of –5.4% in January.  With this, the sector accumulated a loss of –2.8% in the first two months of 2007, a rhythm considerably below the one observed in the last quarter of 2006 (8.0%), both comparisons with the same period of the previous year.  The accumulated rate in the last 12 months, although continuing positive lost dynamism, changing from 8.2% in December to 6.9% in January and 6.2% in February.

In the monthly indicator, the industry of the state had a slight positive change (0.3%), with growth in five among ten surveyed activities.  The main positive result came from food products and beverages  (6.1%).  It is worth mentioning also the positive contributions of non-metallic minerals (26.4%), footwear and leather articles (4.5%) and basic metallurgy (47.4%).  The main decreases came from textiles (-5.8%), apparel (-14.5%) and metal products (-35.4%).

The indicator accumulated in the first two months of the year had decrease of –2.8%, with negative rates in six among ten surveyed sectors.  The major negative result came from petroleum refining and alcohol production (-25.6%), influenced by the stoppage of an important refinery in January.   On the other hand, the major positive influences came from food products and beverages (8.3%) and non-metallic minerals (26.1%).

Pernambuco

In February, the industrial production increased by 0.6%, in relation to the immediately previous month, after decreasing by –2.4% in January, in this same type of comparison.  Even with the positive result, the quarterly moving average has a slight negative change (-0.3%), third consecutive decrease, accumulating a loss of –1.1%.

In the comparisons with similar periods of 2006, the monthly indicators in the year were positive: 7.2% and 5.6% respectively.  The index accumulated in the last 12 months showed increase in the rhythm of growth, changing from 4.8% in January to 5.3% in February.

The monthly indicator (7.2%) showed the 16th consecutive positive rate, with expansion in 8 among 11 surveyed activities. The major positive influences were observed in chemical products (34.9%) and food products and beverages (5.5%).  It can also be mentioned the contributions of petroleum refining and alcohol production (47.2%) and of rubber and plastic (13.9%).  The main negative influence was observed in electrical machines, material and equipment (-7.6%).

In the index accumulated in the first two months of the year, compared to the same period of the previous year, the industry of the state had expansion of 5.6%, same rhythm of the last quarter of the previous year (5.7%).  Among the 11 surveyed sectors, 8 increased, with food products and beverages (5.9%) bringing the most positive result.  The main negative contribution came from electric machines, material and equipment (-15.0%).

Bahia

In February, industry fell by –6.0% compared to January, after a strong growth in that month (12.2%).  The quarterly moving average indicator also had decrease (-0.5%) among the quarters closed in January and February.

In the comparison with February 2006, there was a slight negative change of –0.2%.  With this, the sector accumulated increase of 3.3% in the first two months of 2007, a rhythm more accelerated than the one of the last quarter of the previous year (0.4%).  Regarding the index accumulated in the last 12 months it had reduction from January (3.2%) to February (2.6%).

The change of –0.2% in relation to February 2006 showed the reduction in seven among nine surveyed activities.  The major negative influence came from automotive vehicles (-56.9%), due to the lower production of automobiles, caused by a partial stoppage of production of an important manufacturer.  It is also worth mentioning basic metallurgy (-7.0%) and chemical products (-1.8%). Among the two sectors with positive rates, food products and beverages stood out (29.5%).

In the indicator accumulated in the first two months of the year (3.3%), six among nine surveyed segments grew.  The major positive results came from food products and beverages (24.8%) and chemical products (4.3%).  On the other hand, automotive vehicles (-34.1%) and petroleum refining and alcohol production (-2.4%) were the groups with the major negative results.

Minas Gerais

The industrial production fell by –0.7% from January to February 2007, after showing decrease in the previous month (-1.1%).  The quarterly moving average indicator showed a slight negative change of  -0.2% from the quarter closed in January to the one in February, interrupting seven consecutive positive results, period in which it accumulated gain of 4.0%.

In the comparison with the same month of the previous year (3.3%), the eighth consecutive positive result was registered.  With this, the indicator accumulated in the first two months of the year also increased (4.7%), despite that in a rhythm slightly lower than the one observed in the last quarter of 2006 (5.5%).  The index accumulated in the last 12 months also had a slight reduction in the rhythm from January (4.6%) to February (4.4%).

In the monthly indicator (3.3%), a positive performance was observed in the manufacturing industry (2.9%) as well as in mining and quarrying (5.5%), this last one supported mainly, in the extraction of iron ores.  In the manufacturing industry, 9 among 12 surveyed activities had growth, standing out automotive vehicles (4.5%), cellulose and paper (16.5%) and basic metallurgy (2.8%).  On the other hand, machines and equipment (-7.0%) brought the major negative influence.

In the indicator accumulated in the first two months of the year (4.7%), the results were positive in the manufacturing industry (4.7%) as well as in mining and quarrying (4.8%).  In the manufacturing industry, 8 among 12 surveyed activities had expansion, especially automotive vehicles (9.3%) and basic metallurgy (6.3%).  Among the groups with decrease, stood out non-metallic minerals (-5.9%) and petroleum refining and alcohol production (-4.8%).

Espírito Santo

In February, the industrial production increased by 1.3% compared to January, after two positive consecutive negative results (-2.6% and –0.3%) in this type of comparison.  The quarterly moving average index was negative (-0.5%) in the quarters closed in January and February.

In relation to February 2006, the industry of the state had the 14th consecutive positive result (8.4%) in the comparison with the same month of the previous year.  The index accumulated in the first two months of 2007 also increased (6.4%), and the index accumulated in the last 12 months, while growing 8.3%, maintained the acceleration in the rhythm of growth initiated in May 2006.

In the comparison with February of the previous year, the increase of 8.4% in the industrial sector showed the positive results in all the surveyed groups, with the main result coming from mining and quarrying (18.7%).  In this segment, the highlight was the extraction of petroleum and natural gas.  The manufacturing industry (4.5%) changed the negative result of January (-0.9%), with food products and beverages (15.1%) bringing the major influence.

In the index accumulated in the first two months of 2007, the production of Espírito Santo increased (6.4%) in a rhythm less intense than the one observed in the last quarter of the previous year  (10.0%).  The increase of the first two months of the year can be explained mainly by mining and quarrying (19.7%) since the manufacturing industry had a moderate expansion (1.6%).

Rio de Janeiro

The industry of the state showed in February fall of –5.4% compared to January, after growing 3.5%.  With this result, the quarterly moving average index fell by –1.0% between the quarters closed in January and February.

In the comparison with February 2006, the overall index also fell (-2.1%).  With this, the index accumulated in the first two months of the year was close to stability (0.1%).  The accumulated rate in the last twelve months maintained a trend of deceleration in the rhythm of expansion initiated in August of the previous year, changing from 1.6% in January to 0.8% in February.

In the comparison with the similar period of the previous year, the decrease of –2.1% showed the decrease in mining and quarrying (-0.5%), second consecutive negative result, as in the manufacturing industry (-2.4%).  In this last one, among the eight activities with decrease, stood out the negative influence of the pharmaceutical industry (-38.2%), due to the concession of collective vacations in big companies of the sector.  It should also be mentioned the negative result of petroleum refining and alcohol production (-9.8%).  Among the five groups of manufacturing industry that expanded the production, the leadership remained with basic metallurgy (28.4%).  It should also be mentioned the positive influence, although in a lower degree, of edition and printing (15.1%), influenced, mainly, by the increase in the production of newspapers.

The production accumulated in the first two months of the year was almost stable (0.1%), in a rhythm similar to the one of the last quarter of 2006 (0.1%), both comparisons with the same period of the previous year.  The rate of the first two months of 2007 showed the equilibrium among the sectors which increased (seven) and the ones that decreased (six).  Among the groups that increased the production, basic metallurgy (12.2%) brought the main result.  Also stood out the contributions of edition and printing (11.7%) and soaps, cleaning products and perfumery (33.7%).  The most important decrease was observed in petroleum refining and alcohol production (-10.2%), followed by food products and automotive vehicles, both with –9.3%.

São Paulo

In February, the industry had positive results in the main indicators. In relation to the immediately previous month, the increase was of 2.3%, after a decrease of –0.9% in January.  The quarterly moving index increased by 0.8% between the quarters closed in February and January.

In the comparison with February 2006, the production increased by 3.5%, second consecutive positive result.  Hence, the index accumulated in the first two months of the year was of 3.3%. The indicator accumulated in the last 12 months (3.1%) showed a rhythm close to the one recorded in January  (3.3%).

In the monthly index, the increment (3.5%) was supported in the positive performance of 15 among 20 investigated groups.  Machines and equipment (9.6%), electronic material and communication equipment (20.3%) and office machines and computer equipment (45.0%) brought the most significant contributions to the general expansion.  Among the five sectors with decrease, the major results came from edition and printing (-9.0%), electric material, equipment and machines (-9.0%) and rubber and plastic (-6.2%).

The production accumulated in the first two months of the year increased (3.3%) in a rhythm above the one of the last quarter of 2006 (2.6%), both comparisons with the same period of the previous year.  This result was influenced, mainly, by the increase in 14 among 20 segments, being machines and equipment (12.9%), office machines and computer equipment (58.6%) and food products (8.8%) the major contributions for the overall average. On the other hand, automotive vehicles (-3.4%), electric machines, equipment and material (-6.4%) and rubber and plastic (-4.2%) were the groups that most influenced negatively the overall rate.

Paraná

The industrial production increased by 2.6% in February compared to January, after falling by 3.2%. The quarterly moving average index increased by 0.4% in the quarters closed in January and February, the fifth positive consecutive result, accumulating growth of 4.9%.

In relation to February 2006, the increase was of 8.3%, fifth consecutive positive result in this type of comparison. The index accumulated in the first two months of the year also showed expansion (5.7%) above the one registered in the last quarter of the previous year (4.5%).  The index accumulated in the last 12 months increased by 0.3%, confirming the ascending trend initiated in September 2006.

In the monthly index (8.3%), 9 among 14 surveyed activities had positive rates, with edition and printing (74.0%), food products (12.0%), automotive vehicles (10.1%) and machines and equipment (16.6%) bringing the major influences.  The major negative influence was observed in petroleum refining and alcohol production (-20.1%).

In the indicator accumulated in the year (5.7%), 10 among 14 surveyed groups had increase in the production.  The major positive contribution came from automotive vehicles (23.8%), edition and printing (24.7%) and food products (5.7%).  The main negative results came from petroleum refining and alcohol production (-12.2%) and wood (-16.1%).

Santa Catarina

The industrial production increased by 1.1% in February compared to January, fourth consecutive positive rate, accumulating gain of 4.2% in this period.  The quarterly moving average index had expansion of 1.2% among the quarters closed in January and February and maintained itself in acceleration for the third consecutive month.

In the comparison with February 2006, the industrial sector of the state increased by 3.3%, second consecutive expansion in this type of comparison.  With this, the indicator accumulated in the first two months of the year also showed increase (2.8%).  The index accumulated in the last 12 months, while changing from 0.2% in January to 0.5% in February, maintained an ascending trend initiated in July 2006.

The monthly index (3.3%) showed, mainly, the positive performance of 7 among 11 investigated groups.  The main positive contribution in the formation of this result came from machines and equipment (16.0%). It can also be mentioned the positive influence of food products (6.4%) and automotive vehicles (11.0%).  The bad performances of apparel (-19.9%) and cellulose and paper (-7.1%) brought the most significant negative results.

In the first two months of the year (2.8%), with growth in a rhythm above the one observed in the last quarter of 2006 (0.1%), the industrial sector of Santa Catarina had prevailing positive results reaching 7 among 11 investigated industrial activities. 

The most relevant contributions came from food products (6.4%), machines and equipment (8.6%) and automotive vehicles (10.9%). Among the activities with fall, apparel (-17.9%) brought the major negative result.

Rio Grande do Sul

The industry of the state in February, increased by 2.0% in relation to January, after falling –1.1% in that month.  The quarterly moving average had increase of 1.1% in the quarters closed between February and January, maintaining acceleration for the ninth consecutive month and accumulating gain of 7.2%.
In the comparison with February 2006, the increase was of 5.6%, almost repeating the result of January (5.9%).  Hence, the indicator accumulated in the first two months of 2007 was 5.8%, in a rhythm above the one observed in the last quarter of 2006 (1.2%).  The index accumulated in the last 12 months (-0.8%), although still negative shows an ascending trend since September 2006.

In the comparison with the same month of the previous year (5.6%), there was increase in 11 among 14 surveyed sectors.  The major positive influences came from petroleum refining and alcohol production (14.1%), food products (7.0%) and automotive vehicles (14.7%).  The major negative influences came from footwear and leather articles (-8.4%) and furniture (-4.2%).

The increase of 5.8% in the index accumulated in the year also was due to the growth of 11 among 14 surveyed activities.  Among these, the most significant were automotive vehicles (26.7%), petroleum refining and alcohol production (17.0%) and food products (7.1%).  On the other hand, the segments of footwear and leather articles (-11.8%) and metal products (-3.9%) brought the main negative results.

Goiás

In February, the industrial production fell by –10.1% in relation to January, after growing by 7.7% in that month.  With this, the quarterly moving index fell by –1.3% between the quarters closed in January and February.

In the comparisons with similar period of 2006, the results are positive: 0.8% compared to February and 9.2% in the index accumulated in the two months January-February.  The indicator accumulated in the last 12 months, remains practically stable from January (3.5%) to February (3.4%).

In the comparison with February of the previous year, the industrial production of the state (0.8%) was supported by the positive performance of the sector of chemical products (37.9%).  The other sectors had decrease, being the major influence from food products and beverages (-2.2%) and non-metallic minerals (-9.5%).

In the index accumulated in the two months January- February (9.2%), mining and quarrying (42.2%) aggregated 2.5 percentage points to the overall result, but the major positive result came from the manufacturing industry  (7.0%) .  In this sector, chemical products (35.3%) brought the most important contribution, followed by food products and beverages (3.7%).  Only non-metallic minerals (-0.1%) did not have growth.