Brasília - The Brazilian industrial sector grew 16.8% in the first half of this year, compared to the same period last year, according to the latest survey by the National Industrial Confederation (CNI). Growth in the last 12 months has been 27.7%. The growth has been in all economic segments and nationwide.

"We have seen steady growth for a year. It has been strong to moderate," said the president of the CNI, Armando Monteiro.

The survey shows that growth is based on domestic demand, due to better salaries and easier credit, and exports, where growth has been excellent, setting records.

The survey found that use of installed capacity was the highest since 1992, when records began.

Jobs in the industrial sector rose 0.75% in June, compared to May. That is the larget jump in jobs, month-to-month, since records began in 1992. Compared to June 2003, jobs were up 2.83%, another record.

Agência Brasil
Reporter: Nádia Faggiani
Translator: Allen Bennett
08/06/2004