Industry output rises for second consecutive year

Buoyed with the continued economic recovery, domestic industry output grew for the second consecutive year in 2018, with factory activity increasing 1.1% in the year. The numbers were released on Friday (January 11) by the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE).

Last year, 13 of the 26 industrial sectors surveyed saw increases in output. A highlight was the automotive sector, which grew an expressive 12.6% in the period. Sectors such as metallurgy, paper products, extractive industries and pharmaceuticals were also important to consolidate the recovery of domestic industry. 

Among the major economic categories, consumer goods (+ 7.6%) and capital goods (+ 7.4%) were the fastest-growing branches, chiefly driven by growing automotive and household appliances industries.