São Paulo, April 30, 2004 (Agência Brasil) - The real volume of sales by industries in São Paulo grew 22.3% in March, compared with February, according to the Federation of Industries of the State of São Paulo (Fiesp). Compared with March, 2003, the expansion was even greater, 30.7%.

According to the director of the Fiesp's Department of Research and Economic Studies, Cláudio Vaz, the main factors behind the improvement in industrial sales in March were the discount sales to reduce inventory, the greater number of business days in the month, and, most of all, exports.

"Domestically, the Brazilian population is buying less in every segment. But, in the export sector, we are gaining new niches, and this stimulates the recovery process in the level of activity," Vaz says.

The number of hours spent on production rose 10.2% in March, compared with February, and 8.6%, compared with March, 2003.

Translator: David Silberstein