Industry has higher output, stable employment in March

Production increased and employment was stable in Brazilian industry in March, according to the Industry Survey released on Monday (23) by the National Confederation of Industry (CNI). According to the entity, production growth in March was more intense than usual, with the output evolution index ending the month at 55.2 points (8.7 points above February and 2.1 points higher than the historical average for March).

The workforce (i.e. number of employees) expectation index remained stable at 49.6 points, marking the second consecutive month of stability after multiple decreases (when they rise above 50 points, these indicators signal an increase in output or employment in the sector).

Regarding forecasts for the next six months, expectations of demand fell to 58.4 points, raw material purchases fell to 56 points, number of employees stabilised at 50.8 points and volume of exports went up to 55.4 points. Despite the drops, indicators point to an overall increase in these areas, since numbers above 50 show optimism for the future from industry leaders.