MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Brazilian industry confirms recovery.

Brazilian industrial production reported its third consecutive increase last May, 2,2%, with a total expansion since February of 4,5%. May 2004 was also 7,8% above the same month a year ago.

According to the Brazilian Geography and Statistics Institute, IBGE 18 out of 23 industrial activities signalled the strong recovery during May, particularly automobile manufacturing 4,7%, Food 2%; machinery and equipment 4% and electronic equipment and communications 6,4%. Even sectors closely linked to the domestic market began showing a rebound, footwear and hides 8%; pharmaceuticals 4,1%; textiles 2,6%; non metallic minerals 2,2% and clothing 0,9%.

Compared to May 2003 the 7,8% expansion showed a positive impact in 22 of 27 industrial activities polled. Among which automobile manufacturing 27,4%; machinery and equipment 20,4%; electronic equipment and communications 33,9%;

However the most dynamic remain those closely linked to agriculture and exports such as fruit juices 38,7%; coffee 23,2%; cellulose and pulp 8,8%; tractors and farm equipment 23,4% and not metallic minerals extraction 32,9%.