The seasonally adjusted indexes of industrial production by area showed, from February to March, growth in eight of the fourteen areas investigated by IBGE. In Minas Gerais (5.3%), there was the biggest growth. Other relevant results were those of Pernambuco (4.9%), Paraná and Rio de Janeiro (both with 3.6%) and Goiás (3.4%). São Paulo (0.0%), the most important industrial area in the country, reached stability, after having grown 2.4% in February. Still in this same period, Ceará (-4.9%), Northeast Region (-1.6%) and Bahia (-0.2%) had negative results.

In relation to March 2006, the indexes by area had positive rates in eleven of the fourteen areas surveyed. The increases ranged from 11.4% in Paraná and 0.3% in the Northeast Region. The remaining areas with positive rates, above the national average, were: Minas Gerais (7.8%), Rio Grande do Sul (7.4%), Espírito Santo (6.3%), Pernambuco (5.9%) and Rio de Janeiro (4.4%). In the same comparison, negative changes occurred in Ceará (-6.9%), Amazonas (-2.6%) and Bahia (-0.3%).

 

Results for the first quarter of 2007

 

In the first quarter of the year, in comparison with the same period in the previous year, with rates above the national average (3.8%), were the industries of Paraná (8.0%), Pará (6.7%), Goiás (6.5%), Rio Grande do Sul and Espírito Santo (both with 6.4%), Minas Gerais (5.8%) and Pernambuco (5.7%),in which the highlights were, respectively, the items: trucks; iron ore; car pieces; petroleum; automobiles and crystallized sugar. Only Ceará (-4.2%) and Amazonas (-2.3%) had negative results and the main contributions came, respectively, from petroleum refining and alcohol production (gasoline); and electronic material and communication equipment (mobile telephones and television sets).

 

The indicators of industrial production by area showed that the acceleration of the production  rhythm, which occurred from the fourth quarter of 2006 (3.2%) to the first quarter of 2007 (3.8%), also affected most of (9) of the fourteen subsectors surveyed. The most significant gains between these two periods were observed in the South Region: in Rio Grande do Sul, the rate changed from 1.2% to 6.4%, in Paraná, from 4.5% to 7.95% and in Santa Catarina, from 0.1% to 2.5%. 

 

Amazonas

 

In March, the industry in Amazonas grew by 0.9% in comparison with the immediately previous month, in the series without seasonal adjustment, after decreasing 6.4% in February. In relation to March 2006, there was reduction of 2.6%, the second consecutive negative rate in this type of comparison. In the end of the first quarter of 2007, production was 2.5% below the amount obtained in the same period in 2006, and 7.0% above the amount produced in the immediately previous quarter (seasonally adjusted series). The annualized rate, measured by the indicator accumulated in the previous twelve months (-4.8%), continues on a deceleration trend, since it was 1.9% in January and -3.9% in February. The quarterly moving average index shows increase of 1.7% between the quarters which ended between February and March, the third consecutive positive result.

 

The decrease (2.6%) in the comparison March 07/March 06 was explained, above all, by the negative performance of four of the eleven subsectors surveyed. Electronic material and communication equipment (-36.1%) concentrated the most relevant negative contribution to the formation of the overall index, having accounted for about 15,5 negative percentage points of the total. In this activity, the items which represented the major negative contributions were: mobile telephones and television sets. On the other hand, food products and beverages (24.1%) and machinery and equipment (90.0%) were the main positive contributions, especially due to the production of powder and syrup preparations for beverage manufacturing and of microwave ovens and air conditioners, respectively. In fact, the production of microwave ovens increased only to supply the demand of orders for Mother’s Day.

 

In the first quarter of the year, in comparison with the same period in the previous year, the overall fall of industry was -2.5%, with reduction of production in four of the eleven activities surveyed. Manufacturing of electronic material and communication equipment (-36.3%) keeps on having the biggest negative contribution to the overall index, and the items mobile telephones and television sets were the main contributions. On the other hand, among the seven types of industries which grew, the most positive contributions came from food products and beverages (26.4%); machinery and equipment (67.8%); other transportation equipment (19.2%); editing and printing (73.5%) and metal products (34.0%).

 

Pará

 

In March, the industry of Pará became stable (0.0%) in comparison with the previous month, not considering the seasonally adjusted series, after decrease of 2.9% in February. In comparison with the same month in the previous year, there was 1.8% increase. In the end of the first quarter of 2007, production was 6.7% than in the same period in the previous year – seasonally adjusted series. The indicator accumulated in the last twelve months (12.7%), even with slight deceleration in the rhythm of growth in the last two months, kept its two-digit positive rates. The quarterly moving average index was practically stable (0.2%) between the quarters which ended in February and March.

 

In comparison with the same month in the previous year, the industry of Paraná grew 1.8%, with positive rates in three of the six activities surveyed. The most significant contributions in industry were those of metallurgy (12.9%) and mining and quarrying industry (4.5%), being the highlight aluminum oxide and iron ore, respectively. On the other hand, the main negative impacts were those of cellulose and paper (-(30.3%) and food products and beverages (-15.9%), which faced reduction of the production of cellulose and frozen crustaceans, respectively.

 

In the first quarter in the year, in comparison with the same period in the previous year, the industry in Pará grew by 6.7%, with increase in the production of only two of the six activities surveyed. Once more, mining and quarrying industry (10.5%) and metallurgy (13.7%) accounted for the main positive contributions to the overall index. On the other hand, wood (-6.0%) and cellulose and paper (-9.9%) accounted for the main negative impacts, stimulated by the fall of densified and composite wood, in the former group, and cellulose, in the latter.  

 

The production rhythm in Pará has decelerated. It has gone through expansion of 11.7% in the fourth quarter of 2006, to 6.7% in the first quarter of 2007, being both comparisons relative to the same period of the previous year. There was contribution of four of the six subsectors surveyed, especially metallurgy, which went from 31.1% to 13.7% and food products and beverages (from 11.2% to -2.0%).

 

Northeast Region

 

In March, the industrial production in the Northeast Region fell by 1.6% in relation to February, in the series without seasonal adjustment, the second consecutive positive rate, having accumulated in this period fall of 2.0%. In comparison with the same period in the previous year, there is slight change of 0.3%. In the first three months of 2007, the results were positive both in relation to the same period in the previous year and in relation to the last quarter of 2006 (0.4%) – seasonally adjusted series. The indicator accumulated in the last twelve months increased 3.1%, but with slight deceleration in the rhythm of growth in comparison with January and February, both with 3.5%. The quarterly moving average index increased by 0.5% between the quarters which ended between March and February.

 

 

Compared to the same month in the previous year, the industry in the Northeast Region changed by 0.3%, with increase in only three of the eleven subsectors surveyed. The main positive impact on the overall rate of industry came from food products and beverages (6.9%), which was followed by non-metallic minerals (8.6%) and footwear and leather articles (2.7%). On the other hand, the subsectors of textiles (-5.1%) and apparel (-14.9%) were the main negative contributions, being influenced by the reductions in the production of cotton cloth; and trousers, respectively.

 

The rhythm of industrial production in the Northeast Region was practically stable between the fist quarter of 2007 (2.7%) and the last on of 2006 (2.6%), both compared to the same period in the previous year. In the end of the first quarter of the year, six of the eleven subsectors surveyed had positive rates, with food products and beverages (9.1%) being the biggest contribution to the overall average. Most negative contributions were observed in mining and quarrying and in the textiles industry, with decrease of 6.0% and 3.9%, respectively.

 

Ceará

 

In March 2007, the seasonally adjusted industrial production in Ceará decreased 4.9% in February, after having been increased 3.9% in the previous month. In relation to March last year, the industry in Ceará showed decrease of 6.9¨%. In the end of the first quarter of the year, there was decrease of 4.2% in comparison with the same period in the previous year and of 2.45 in relation to the immediately previous quarter (seasonally adjusted series). The indicator accumulated in the last twelve months increased 4.6%, but it has been on a growing trend since December 2006 (8.2%). The quarterly moving average indicator decreased 1.6% between the quarters which ended in February and March.

 

The monthly indicator of industrial production in Ceará decreased by 6.9%, with negative rates in six of the ten subsectors surveyed. The major negative contribution came from petroleum refining and alcohol production (-50.4%), reflecting the effects of a technical stop in an important refinery, which affected the production of gasoline. It is also worth mentioning the decreases observed in food products and beverages (-4.5%), due to the reduced production of peanuts and toasted cashew nut, and cookies and crackers, and in the textile industry 9-4.9%), due to the reduced production of cloth and cotton thread. On the other hand, the major impacts were those of metallurgy (46.4%) and footwear and leather articles (3.7%).

 

In the first quarter in the year there was decrease of 4.2% in relation to the same period last year, with negative results in six of the ten activities surveyed. The main influences over the overall rate came from petroleum refining and alcohol production (34.2%), due to the reduced production of gasoline and asphalt; from textiles (-12.2%), due to cotton cloth and thread. On the other hand, the main impacts were those of food products and beverages (3.8) and metallurgy (41.2%). The first quarter of the year (-4.2%) had the first negative result since the last quarter of 2005, and had a lower rhythm than the last quarter of 2006 (8.0%). This resulted from the contribution of eight of the ten subsectors surveyed, especially footwear and leather articles, which went from 14.3% to -0.4%; and of food products and beverages, which went from 12.4% to 3.8%.

 

 

Pernambuco

 

In March, the seasonally adjusted industrial production in Pernambuco increased 4.9% in relation to February, after having increased by 0.6% in the previous month. Compared to March last year, there was increase of 5.9%. The end of the first quarter of the year had increase of 5.7%, in comparison with the same quarter in the previous year, and was practically stable (0.1%) in relation to the immediately previous quarter (seasonally adjusted series). The indicator accumulated in the last twelve months had slight increase from February (5.3%) to March (5.5%). The quarterly moving average indicator increased by 1.0%, after having two consecutive negative rates, in a period in which it accumulated decrease of 1.0%.

 

In comparison with March last year, the industry of Pernambuco grew for the seventeenth consecutive month, with positive rates in eight of the eleven industrial subsectors surveyed. In the 5.9% increase, the best performance was that of food products and beverages (7.3%), due to the increase of the production of ice cream and flour. It is also worth mentioning the results of chemical products (13.2%), due to the bigger production of oxygen, and of paint for construction; and of rubber and plastic, due to the bigger production of plastic films and trash bags. On the other hand, the main negative contributions were those of electric machines, appliances and equipment (-7.1%) and f metallurgy (-2.6%), due, mainly, to the reduced production of common and electric batteries and carbon steel wire rods.

 

In the 5.7% increase, accumulated in the year, there was bigger production in eight of the eleven subsectors surveyed. The main positive impacts were those of food products and beverages (6.3%), chemical products (16.9%) and rubber and plastic (20.4%), due, mainly, to the increased production of the items ice creams and popsicles;  styrene-butadiene rubber; and plastic films. On the other hand, the main negative contributions came from electric machines, appliances and equipment (-12.0%) and non-metallic minerals (-2.7%), due, respectively, to the reduction of the production of common and electric batteries; and natural and artificial abrasive substances in powder or grain.

 

Bahia

 

In March 2007, the seasonally adjusted industrial production in Bahia decreased 0.2% in comparison with February, after fall of 6.0% in the previous month. In comparison with March 2006, there was also a negative rate (0.3%). The first quarter of the year had increase of 2.0% in relation to the same period last year, and by 3.1% in comparison with the immediately previous quarter (seasonally adjusted series). The annualized rate, an indicator accumulated in the last twelve month (2.0%), showed reduction of rhythm compared to February (2.6%). The quarterly moving average indicator increased 1.7% between the quarters which ended in February and March, despite the decrease of 0.5% registered in the previous month.

 

In comparison with the same months last year, the industry of Bahia had negative change of 0.3%, with decrease of the production of four among nine subsectors surveyed. The major negative contribution came from petroleum refining and alcohol production (-4.1%), due to the reduced production of naphtha and airplane kerosene. On the other hand, the main positive impacts were those of food products and beverages (4.5%), due to the increased production of flour and pellets of soybeans oil and soybeans; and rubber and plastic (18.9%), due to the bigger production of big bottles, bottles and plastic containers; and of plastic packages for food products.

 

The indicator accumulated in the year increased 2.0%, with gains in six of the nine activities surveyed. The main positive influences came from food products and beverages (17.8%), due to the increase of the production of the same products as those mentioned in the monthly indicator; and of chemical products (2.9%), due to the bigger production of high-density polyethylene, and octanol. On the other hand, the main negative contributions were those of petroleum refining and alcohol production (-3.0%) and of automotive vehicles (-18.5%), due, mainly, of the lower production of naphtha and diesel; and automobiles.

 

Minas Gerais

 

The industrial production of Minas Gerais, in the seasonally adjusted series, increased by 5.3% from February to March, after facing decrease for two consecutive months, in a period in which it accumulated loss of 2.1%. In comparison with the same month in the previous year, the sector keeps a positive rate (7.8%), which has happened since July 2006. In the first quarter of the year, there was increase both in relation to the same month in the previous year (5.8%) and in comparison with the immediately previous quarter (1.6%) – seasonally adjusted series. The indicator accumulated in the previous twelve months repeats the February rate (4.4%). The quarterly moving average index shows increase of 1.0% between the quarters which ended in February and in March.

 

The increase of 7.8%, in comparison with the same month in the previous year reflects the good performance of mining and quarrying industry (7.3%) and of manufacturing industry (7.9%). The favorable performance of the mining and quarrying sector was stimulated by the extraction of iron ore. In the manufacturing industry, there was increase in eight of the twelve subsectors surveyed and the subsectors of automotive vehicles (22.0%) accounted for the biggest positive contribution, followed by metallurgy (4.8%) and metal products (20.0%).

 

In terms of the rate accumulated in the year, in comparison with the same period in 2006, the industry of Minas grew 5.8%, with increase of production in nine subsectors. The subsector of automotive vehicles (13.9%) accounted for the main positive impact, due, mainly, to the increase of car manufacturing. It is also worth mentioning the good performance of metallurgy (5.7%), mining and quarrying industry (5.7%) and machinery and equipment (14.2%). On the other hand, the main negative contribution came from non-metallic minerals (-3.9%), influenced, mainly, by the reduction of cement production.

 

Espírito Santo

 

In March 2007, the industrial production in Espírito Santo grew 0.6% in relation to February, in the seasonally adjusted series, the second consecutive positive result, having accumulated, in this period, increase of 1.8%. In comparison with March 2006, there was increase of 6.3%, the 15^th consecutive positive result. In the first quarter of the year, the industry of the state grew 6.4% in comparison with the same period in the previous year, and decreased 1.0% in relation to the immediately previous quarter – seasonally adjusted series. The indicator accumulated in the previous twelve months increased 8.7%, with increase over the February result (8.3%). The quarterly moving average index had slight negative change (-0.2%) between the two quarters which ended in February and March, the third negative consecutive rate.

 

In the comparison March 07/ March 06, production increased 6.3%, based, mainly, on the performance of mining and quarrying industry (32.8%), once manufacturing industry fell 2.8%. In the first segment, which was the main positive impact, the highlight was the increase of the extraction of petroleum and to the processing of iron ore. Considering the decrease of 2.8% in manufacturing industry, the main negative contribution was metallurgy (-14.8%), being the item steel blocks and ingots the main highlight. On the other hand, among the subsectors in which production increased, non-metallic minerals was the biggest influence on the overall rate, due, mainly, to the increase of the production of cement.

 

In the first quarter of the year, in comparison with the same period in 2006, industrial production increased by 6.4%, reflecting the big performance of mining and quarrying industry (24.2%). In the manufacturing industry, with a stable rate (0.0%), production increased in two of the four sectors, with food products and beverages (9.8%) being the main positive contribution.  On the other hand, the major negative contribution came from metallurgy (-6.2%).

 

Rio de Janeiro

 

In March, the seasonally adjusted production index of Rio de Janeiro increased by 3.6% in comparison with February, practically making up for the fall which occurred in the previous month (3.7%). In comparison with the same month in the previous year, there was increase of 4.4%, the best result since July 2006 (5.1%). In the first quarter of 2007, there were positive results in comparison to both the same period in the previous year (1.5%) and in relation to the last quarter of 2006 (0.9%) – seasonally adjusted series. The indicator accumulated in the last twelve months (1.1%) decreased in relation to the February rate (0.8%). The quarterly moving average index decelerated 0.8%) between the quarters which ended in February and March.

 

In the comparison March 07/March 06, the industrial sector of the state increased 4.4%, having as its main contribution the performance of manufacturing industry (5.5%), once mining and quarrying industry had a negative result (0.2%).  In the first subsector, in which there was increase in ten of the twelve subsectors surveyed, the main positive impact was that of metallurgy (47.6%), which was also favored by the low comparison basis, because of the interruption of activity in a big company of the sector in the beginning of last year. This situation resulted in a bigger production of carbon steel tin plates and bobbins or plates. It is also worth mentioning the positive influences which came from editing and printing (10.4%); beverages (10.6%); other chemical products (7.0%) and perfumery, soaps and other cleaning products (27.1%). On the other hand, the most important negative contribution came from pharmaceutical industry (-35.8%).

 

In the first quarter of the year, in comparison with the same period in 2006, the increase of industry was 1.5%, with production increase in seven of the thirteen of the thirteen subsectors surveyed. Metallurgy 923.1%) remained as the leader in terms of impact on the overall index. On the other hand ,among the six falling activities the ones which most affected the overall rate were pharmaceutical industry (-15.4%) and petroleum refining and alcohol production (-5.8%).

 

Rio Grande do Sul

 

In March 2007, the industry in Rio Grande do Sul, in the series without seasonal adjustment, increased by 0.9% in relation to February; it was the second consecutive positive result, with accumulated increase of 3.0% in these two months. In the comparison with the same month last year, there was 7.4% of growth, the best result since August 2004 (13.8%). In the first quarter of the year, there was growth both in relation to the same period in the previous month (6.4%) and in relation to the immediately previous quarter (2.8%) – in the seasonally adjusted series. The indicator accumulated in the last twelve months, even with slight negative change of 0.1%, kept the deceleration trend which started in August 2006 (-3.6%). The quarterly moving average index increased by 0.6% in the months which ended in February and in March, and remained with a positive rate for the tenth consecutive month, a period in which the accumulated growth was 8.1%.

 

Compared to results in the previous year, the industry in Rio Grande do Sul, grew by 7.4% with overall growth reaching twelve of the fourteen subsectors surveyed. The most significant contributions were those of automotive vehicles (39.0%), petroleum refining and alcohol production (19.9%), machinery and equipment (17.8%) and tobacco (13.7%). In these fields the highlights were the increase of the production of the items: automobiles and axis; naphtha for petroleum industry; hydraulic tools and machining centers and processed tobacco, respectively. On the other hand, footwear and leather articles (-20.30%) goes on being the main negative influence, as a consequence, above all, of the production of leather footwear and sneakers.

 

The first quarter of the year showed there was increase of 6.4%, reflecting, above all, the growth observed in twelve of the fourteen areas surveyed. The most relevant positive influence was that of automotive vehicles (31.2%), followed by petroleum refining and alcohol production (18.2%), machinery and equipment (14.5%) and food products (5.7%), which, together, accounted for a total 6.4 percentage points. As a negative contribution to the overall rate, the highlight was the subsector of footwear and leather articles (15.0%) due, mainly, to the reduced production of leather footwear and sneakers.

 

 

São Paulo

 

In March, the industrial production was stable in relation to February (0.0%), in the seasonally adjusted series, after increase of 2.4% in the previous month. In relation to March 2006, the indicator increased by 2.2%, the third consecutive positive rate. In terms of the quarterly indexes, the increase was 1.0%, in comparison with the immediately previous quarter – seasonally adjusted series – and 2.9% in relation to the first quarter in 2006. The indicator accumulated in the last twelve months (2.7%) decelerated in comparison with the results of January (3.3%) and February (3.1%). The quarterly moving average index increased 0.5% between the quarters which ended in February and March; it was the second consecutive increase, in a period in which there was accumulated result of 1.3%.

 

In relation to March 2006, twelve of the twenty subsectors contributed positively to the increase of 2.2%. The subsectors of machinery and equipment (11.9%), electronic material and communication equipment (17.7%) and perfumery articles, soaps and cleaning products 913.4%) were the main negative influences on the overall average. On the other hand, the main negative impacts were observed in automotive vehicles, electric machines, appliances and material (-12.2%) and pharmaceutical articles (-4.8%). They were affected, above all, by the decrease of the production of automobiles; transformers and animal vaccines.

  

In the first quarter of the year, in comparison with the same period last year, the growth of industry was 2.9%, with increase of production in fourteen subsectors. The main positive highlights came from machinery and equipment (12.5%), office, computer and communication equipment (41.0%), food products (7.4%) and metallurgy (11.0%). On the other hand, among the following subsectors, the major contributions to the overall rate were: automotive vehicles (-4.3%) and electric machines, appliances and equipment (-8.5%).

 

Paraná

 

The industrial production in Paraná increased by 3.6% in March, compared to the immediately previous year. This was the second consecutive positive result, having accumulated increase of 7.1%, not considering the seasonal influences. In comparison with the previous year the sector kept a positive rate (11.4%), since October 2006. In the first quarter of the year, there was increase of 8.0% in comparison with the same period last year, and of 2.0% versus the immediately previous quarter – seasonally adjusted series. From February (0.3%) to March (1.5%), the indicator accumulated in the last twelve months showed acceleration of the growth rhythm. The quarterly moving average indicator increased 0.8% in the quarters which ended in February and March, stimulated by six consecutive positive rates in this type of comparison, in a period in which the accumulated gain was 6.6%.

 

In the comparison March 06/March 07, the production in Paraná increased 11.4%, with gain in ten of the fourteen activities surveyed. The major positive influences in the formation of the overall rate came from editing and printing (53.2%), food products (9.3%) and other chemical products (56.7%). In these sectors, the increase of production was observed in the following items: books and brochures; meat and poultry pieces; fertilizers, respectively. On the other hand, the main negative contribution came from wood (-17.8%), due, mainly, form the fall of composite wood.

 

The first quarter of the year had increase of 8.0%, with positive rates in nine subsectors. Automotive vehicles (17.4%) and editing and printing (34.0%) were the main positive impacts, influenced by the increased production of trucks and automobiles; and of books and brochures, respectively. On the other hand, the main negative pressure came from wood (-16.6%), especially from the production of metal leaves.

 

Santa Catarina

 

In March, the industrial production in Santa Catarina was stable (0.0%) in comparison with the previous month, not considering the seasonal influences, interrupting a sequence of four positive rates, in a period in which it accumulated increase of 4.3%. In comparison with the same month in the previous year, the increase was 1.8%. In the first quarter of 2007, the results are also positive both in comparison with the same period in the previous year (2.5%) and in relation to the last quarter of 2006 (3.1%) – seasonally adjusted series. The indicator accumulated in the last twelve months (0.5%) was stable in comparison with February. The quarterly moving average index increased (0.7%) between the quarters which ended in February and March, the fourth consecutive positive result in this type of comparison, having accumulated increase of 3.7% in this period.

 

In the formation of the rate of 1.8%, in comparison with the same month in the previous year, there was increase of production in five of the eleven activities surveyed. In the total of industry, the main highlights were machinery and equipment (18.2%) and, at a lower level, food products (8.0%) which were stimulated by a bigger production of refrigerators and compressors, in the former sector, and of poultry meat and sausages and related products, in the latter. On the contrary, the main negative contribution came from apparel (-14.5%), being followed by no-metallic minerals (-9.8%), rubber and plastic (-6.5%) and textiles (-3.5%).

 

In the first quarter of the year, in comparison with the same period in the previous year, the industry in Santa Catarina remained on a growing trend (2.5%), with positive results in five of the eleven activities surveyed. The main positive impacts on the overall result came from machinery and equipment (12.0%), stimulated, above all, by the increase of the manufacturing of refrigerators are freezers, and food products (7.0%), due to the items poultry meat and sausages and related products. Among the sectors with reduction in production, the most relevant negative contribution came from apparel, with fall of 16.6%.

 

Rio Grande do Sul

In March 2007, the industry in Rio Grande do Sul, in the series without seasonal adjustment, increased by 0.9% in relation to February; it was the second consecutive positive result, with accumulated increase of 3.0% in these two months. In the comparison with the same month last year, there was 7.4% of growth, the best result since August 2004 (13.8%). In the first quarter of the year, there was growth both in relation to the same period in the previous month (6.4%) and in relation to the immediately previous quarter (2.8%) – in the seasonally adjusted series. The indicator accumulated in the last twelve months, even with slight negative change of 0.1%, kept the deceleration trend which started in August 2006 (-3.6%). The quarterly moving average index increased by 0.6% in the months which ended in February and in March, and remained with a positive rate for the tenth consecutive month, a period in which the accumulated growth was 8.1%.

 

Compared to results in the previous year, the industry in Rio Grande do Sul, grew by 7.4% with overall growth reaching twelve of the fourteen subsectors surveyed. The most significant contributions were those of automotive vehicles (39.0%), petroleum refining and alcohol production (19.9%), machinery and equipment (17.8%) and tobacco (13.7%). In these fields the highlights were the increase of the production of the items: automobiles and axis; naphtha for petroleum industry; hydraulic tools and machining centers and processed tobacco, respectively. On the other hand, footwear and leather articles (-20.30%) goes on being the main negative influence, as a consequence, above all, of the production of leather footwear and sneakers.

 

The first quarter of the year showed there was increase of 6.4%, reflecting, above all, the growth observed in twelve of the fourteen areas surveyed. The most relevant positive influence was that of automotive vehicles (31.2%), followed by petroleum refining and alcohol production (18.2%), machinery and equipment (14.5%) and food products (5.7%), which, together, accounted for a total 6.4 percentage points. As a negative contribution to the overall rate, the highlight was the subsector of footwear and leather articles (15.0%) due, mainly, to the reduced production of leather footwear and sneakers.

 

 

Goiás

 

In March 2007, the seasonally adjusted industrial production in Goiás increased by 3.4% in relation to the previous month, after significant decrease in February (-10.2%). In comparison with March last year, production increased by 2.1%; it was the sixth positive result in this type of comparison. In the first quarter of 2007, there was increase both in relation to the same period in the previous year (6.5%) and in comparison with the last quarter last year (1.6%). The indicator accumulated in the last twelve months was practically stable between the quarters which ended in February (3.4%) and March (3.5%). The quarterly moving average index was stable (0.0) between the quarter which ended in February and March, after having decreased 1.4% in the previous month.

 

In comparison with March last year, the industry of Goiás grew 2.1%; this growth was stimulated by manufacturing industry (2.3%), once the extraction activity changed negatively (0.1%). In the first one, all the subsectors had positive rates, and non-metallic minerals (16.6%) and food products and beverages (0.8%) were the main positive contributions to the overall index.

 

In the first quarter of the year, the industry in Goiás grew 6.5% in comparison with the same period in the previous year, with all the subsectors surveyed having production increase. The main positive highlight was the subsector of chemical products (23.7%), followed by food products and beverages (2.6%) and mining and quarrying industry (22.6%).