Brasília - Job openings in industry increased 0.88% in August, in comparison with July, and 0.98% after seasonal influences (specific characteristics that affect industrial production at certain times of year) are factored out. Salaries rose 1.42% during the period; 9.98%, if the basis of comparison is August, 2003.

These data appear in the study of industrial indicators released yesterday (6) by the National Confederation of Industry (CNI). According to the coordinator of the CNI's Economic Policy Unit, Flávio Castelo Branco, the numbers vouch for the vigor of industrial growth.

Castelo Branco said that industrial sales in August also presented a significant increase, amounting to 20.17%, in comparison with August, 2003, while cumulative growth for the first eight months of this year came to 17.55%.

The number of hours worked also grew, 1.59%, in comparison with July, and 10.7%, in comparison with August, 2003. "This is the first time we have recorded a two-digit figure since 1992," Castelo Branco commemorated.

According to the economist Paulo Mol, who works in the CNI's Economic Policy Unit, in 2000 and 2001 the indices evidenced an upsurge, which was interrupted by the energy crisis. "The only difference is that the present growth process is more accelerated," he explains.

According to Castelo Branco, exports were responsible for driving the economy in recent years. In 2004, however, the situation changed. "The domestic market is regaining its strength, which gives growth a broader scope, reaching more sectors." In his opinion, growth should continue over the coming months. "The pace of growth of the Brazilian economy, especially in industry, should remain strong in the next four months," he concludes.

Agência Brasil
Reporter: Lílian de Macedo
Translator: David Silberstein
10/07/2004