Brasília, March 11, 2004 (Agência Brasil - ABr) - Industrial sales grew 2.77% in February, compared with January. According to information from the National Confederation of Industries (CNI), the monthly survey was based on three thousand firms in 12 states.

"Exports are the main demand factor in the Brazilian economy, since workers' income remains low. But the expectation for economic growth continues, even though it is not as high as it was at the end of last year."

With respect to prices, the CNI does not believe in an increase in deflation in the economy. (DAS)