Rio - Industrial production in Brazil rose 0.5% in July, compared to June, reports the government statistical bureau (IBGE). That was the fifth consecutive month of growth for the sector.

The IBGE monthly survey of the industrial sector showed that July growth was up 9.6%, compared to July 2003, with growth in 24 out of 27 sector segments surveyed. Growth was led by the auto sector, up 39.5%; machinery and equipment, up 21.8%; and tobacco, up 171%.

Pharmaceuticals were down 6.3%, as was the chemicals sector, down 1.3%.

Cumulatively, for the period between February and July of this year, industrial growth was 6.1%.

Agência Brasil
Reporter:Cristiane Ribeiro
Translator: Allen Bennett
09/09/2004