Cristiane Ribeiro
Reporter - Agência Brasil

Rio - Brazilian industrial production was stable in April in comparison with March. In relation to April, 2005, there was a drop of 1.9%, after six consecutive months of growth. Counting April's result, the first four months of the year registered an expansion of 2.9% in the sector, in comparison with the same period last year, reversing a slowing trend that began in the last four months of 2004.

The cumulative growth rate for the 12 months that ended in April was 2.6%, which represents a moderation of the 3.3% growth pace.maintained during the previous 12-month period ending in March. These data were released yesterday (6) by the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE).

Between March and April, production expanded in 14 of the 23 industrial segments that were surveyed. The standout performers were basic metallurgy (4.2%), diverse chemical products (2%), and beverages (3.5%). The biggest losers were pharmaceuticals (-7%) and food products (-1.5%).

In comparison with March, durable consumer goods (vehicles, appliances) were up 1.7%, and semi-durable and non-durable goods (clothing, footwear, food, medicines) were up 1.3%. Production of capital goods (machinery and equipment) remained stable, and intermediate goods (industrial inputs) were off slightly (-0.1%).

The IBGE's Monthly Industrial Survey showed that this year's 2.9% growth in industrial output is mainly the result of production increases in office machinery and information equipment (63.2%).

Translation: David Silberstein