Brasília, 12 (Agência Brasil - ABr) - Social Security net revenue was R$5.28 billion (US$1.9 billion) in June, a nominal increase of 4.89%, compared to June 2001. However, when inflation (as measured by the IPCA) is taken into account, revenue actually fell 2.57%.

Cumulative revenue for the first half of 2002 is now R$31.69 billion (US$11.1 billion), a nominal rise of 10.09%, or a real increase of 1.46%, compared to the first half of 2001.

According to minister of Social Security, Jose Cechin, the real decrease in revenue in June may be due to lower industrial output, down 5.1% in May, or the fact that June had only 20 working days, compared to 21 in May. (AB)