The National Index of Civil Construction (Sinapi), calculated by IBGE in partnership with Caixa Econômica Federal, recorded a variation of 0.20% in September, the same result obtained in August. Compared to the result of September 2008, which was 1.30%, the current index (0.20%) presented a decrease of 1.10 percentage point. In the year, the national index accumulated a rise of 4.58%, much lower than the 9.11% observed in the same period of 2008. The result of the last 12 months was 7.09%, also inferior to the 8.26% recorded in the immediately previous 12 months.

The national cost of construction by square meter that, in August, was R$ 706.36 changed to R$ 707.78 (September). Of this amount, R$ 408.23 are relative to material and R$ 299.55 to manpower.

Material shows variation of 0.26%, slightly below the 0.29% recorded in August. On the other hand, manpower increased by 0.12% versus 0.07% in August.

In the year, material accumulated a rise of 3.18%, and manpower, 6.55%. In 12 months results were: 6.47% (material) and 7.95% (manpower).

Northeast stands out among regions in September

The index concerning the Northeast changed by 0.30%, that being the highest rate in September. Central West region had the lowest monthly rate (0.15%), very close to the results of the Southeast and South (0.16%). At last, the North had a rise of 0.24%.

Considering the results accumulated in the year, South and Central West regions presented higher rates, respectively 4.88% and 4.83%. For the other regions, the accumulated indexes were: 4.58% (Northeast); 4.53% (Southeast) and 4.07% (North).

Considering the last 12 months, the greatest variation was that of the Northeast region (8.02%), and the smallest, that of Central West region (6.49%).

Regional costs by square meter were: R$ 749.27 (Southeast); R$ 702.35 (North); R$ 699.58 (South); R$ 678.02 (Central West) and R$ 661.93 (Northeast).

Piauí records the highest increase

In September, construction costs in the states were not pressed by salary readjustments derived from collective agreements. For this reason, Piauí stood out with a variation of 0.66%, much lower than those obtained when agreements are negotiated and signed.

Acre marked the highest rate in the year (8.99%) and Paraíba, in the last 12 months (11.02%).