Rio, November 14, 2002 (Agência Brasil - ABr) - Industrial production grew in nine of the 12 areas analyzed by the IBGE's Industrial Survey in September, when compared with September, 2001. The national average was 5.6%. From January to September, all the areas, except Bahia, intensified their manufacturing activities. The cumulate average for the past 12 months, even though it remains negative in eight of the areas, showed a general improvement between August and September.

In comparison with September, 2001, the following areas attained significant rates of growth: Rio de Janeiro (13.5%); Pernambuco (12.9%); Rio Grande do Sul (10.3%); Espírito Santo (10%); Paraná (9.6%); Ceará (9.2%); Minas Gerais (7.3%); and the Southern region (7.3%).

The areas in which production fell are: Bahia (-6.2%); Santa Catarina (-2%); and São Paulo (-1.6%). (DAS)