The industrial regional production closed the year of 2006 with growth in 11 among 14 investigated areas by the Monthly Survey of Mining and Manufacturing Physical Production - Regional of the IBGE, being that eight were above the average of the national industry (2.8%).  The highest rate was observed in Pará (14.2%), due to the major dynamism of typically export products (iron ore and aluminum oxide), and following came Ceará (8.2%), Espírito Santo (7.6%), Pernambuco (4.8%), Minas Gerais (4.5%), Northeast Region (3.3%), Bahia and São Paulo (both with 3.2%). Increased below the average Goiás (2.4%), Rio de Janeiro (1.9%) and Santa Catarina (0.2%). Accumulated losses in 2006, compared to 2005, Paraná (-1.6%), Rio Grande do Sul (-2.0%) and Amazonas (-2.2%).

In December 2006 compared to December 2005, the indexes by areas were positive in seven localities, a number lower to the thirteen observed in October and to the fourteen of November.  It is worth mentioning in the indicator of December, the difference of the number of working days (22 in 2006 against 20 in 2005). Espírito Santo (10.1%), Pará (8.5%), Minas Gerais (6.5%) and Ceará (5.6%) reached the most significant rates. The industries of Pernambuco (2.8%), Paraná (2.7%) and Goiás (0,6%) also had a positive result. Bahia (-7.6%) had the major decrease, due to the strong negative result that came from chemical products, due to a technical stoppage in a big company of the sector. Northeast Region (-3.4%), Amazonas (-1.7%), Santa Catarina (-1.6%), São Paulo (-1.5%) and Rio de Janeiro (-0.9%) also had decrease in the production. Rio Grande do Sul (0.0%) was stable in this type of comparison.

From November 2006 to December 2006, the regional indexes of industrial production seasonally adjusted show that eight among fourteen surveyed localities had positive rates: Paraná (3.2%), Rio Grande do Sul (2.6%), Ceará (1.6%), Minas Gerais (1.3%), Santa Catarina (1.3%) and São Paulo (1.1%), with growth above the national average (0.5%), and Pernambuco (0.4%) and Espírito Santo (0.3%), with growth below the average.  With decrease in production we can observe, Bahia (-5.5%), Pará (-4.6%), Northeast Region (-2.8%), Amazonas (-1.7%), Goiás (-1.0%) and Rio de Janeiro (-1.0%).

Similarly to the national industry, the major part (eight) of the surveyed localities, had acceleration from the fourth quarter of 2006, in relation to the third quarter of 2006, especially Paraná, which changed from –2.9%, in the third quarter, to 4.7%, in the fourth quarter, followed by Espírito Santo (from 1.0% to 4.0%) and Goiás (from –1.3% to 1.6%).

 

Table 1

  

Industrial Conjuncture Indicators / Regional Results

December/06

Localities

Change Rate (%)

Month/Month *

Monthly

Accumulated Jan-Dec

Accumulated 12 Months

Amazonas

-1.7

-1.7

-2.2

-2.2

Pará

-4.6

8.5

14.2

14.2

Northeast Region

-2.8

-3.4

3.3

3.3

Ceará

1.6

5.6

8.2

8.2

Pernambuco

0.4

2.8

4.8

4.8

Bahia

-5.5

-7.6

3.2

3.2

Minas Gerais

1.3

6.5

4.5

4.5

Espírito Santo

0.3

10.1

7.6

7.6

Rio de Janeiro

-1.0

-0.9

1.9

1.9

São Paulo

1.1

-1.5

3.2

3.2

Paraná

3.2

2.7

-1.6

-1.6

Santa Catarina

1.3

-1.6

0.2

0.2

Rio Grande do Sul

2.6

-0.0

-2.0

-2.0

Goiás

-1.0

0.6

2.4

2.4

Brazil

0.5

0.4

2.8

2.8

Source: IBGE, Diretoria de Pesquisas, Coordenação de Indústria

 

* seasonally adjusted

   

AMAZONAS

In December 2006, the industry of Amazonas fell by 1.7% in relation to November (2.5%), in the series with seasonal adjustment.  In the comparisons with 2005, the results were also negative: -1.7% in relation to December 2005 and –2.2% in the indicator accumulated in 2006.  In the last quarter of 2006, the production was 3.3% lower in the comparison with the same period of 2005 as in the comparison with the immediately previous quarter (seasonally adjusted series).

In the comparison December 2006/ December 2005, there was decrease of 1.7%, with fall in five among eleven surveyed activities. The major negative results on the overall result came from electronic material and communication equipment (-33.7%), other transportation equipment (-26.3%) and petroleum refining and alcohol production (-57.1%). In these sectors, besides the two lesser working days, there was also the influence of concession of collective vacations, especially the decreases observed in mobile telephones and TV sets; motorcycles and its parts and accessories; and diesel oil and gasoline.  The major positive results came from atypical expansions of food products and beverages (55.5%), edition and printing (107.5%) and metal products (40.9%), influenced by a low base of comparison.

In the quarterly analysis, a positive rate can be observed in the first quarter of 2006 (9.3%), once in the second (-12.0%), third (-0.3%) and fourth quarter (-3.3%) the results were negative. The trend of deceleration between the last two quarters of 2006 was observed in six among eleven surveyed activities, especially food products and beverages (from 27.0% to 8.3%) and petroleum refining and alcohol production (from –14.4% to –46.6%).

The production accumulated in the industry of the state closed 2006 with a decrease of 2.2%, influenced by the decreases of eleven surveyed segments. The sector of electronic material and communication equipment (-12.8%), due, mainly, to mobile telephones, brought the major negative influence in the formation of the general index.  It is worth to notice that this segment was influenced by a high base of comparison since in the last three years there was an expansion of 72.0%. Other negative contributions came from petroleum refining and alcohol production (-21.1%) and chemical products (-27.8%), as a consequence, mainly, of the decreases in gasoline and diesel oil; films and photographic papers.  Among the groups that expanded the production, metal products  (30.5%), other transportation equipment (12.4%) and edition and printing (38.9%) figured as the main highlights.

 

PARÁ

In December 2006, the industry of Pará fell by 4.6% in relation to November (4.2%), in the series without seasonal influences.  In the comparison with December 2005, there was expansion of 8.5%.  The indicator accumulated shows increase of 14.2%, a result considerably higher than the one observed in 2005 (3.8%).  In the quarterly indicators, the last quarter of 2006 showed increase of 11.7% compared to a similar period of the previous year, but remains 0.8% below the immediately previous quarter (series with seasonal adjustment).

In the comparison December 2006/ December 2005, the industry of the state increased by 8.5%, with four among six surveyed activities showing positive rates.  The most significant positive results were observed in basic metallurgy (27.5%), mining and quarrying (5.0%) and food products and beverages (3.7%), especially the increases in the items: aluminum oxide; iron ores; and frozen crustaceans, respectively.

In the quarterly analysis, the industry of the state showed during 2006 two digit rates, since it presented 12.6% in the first quarter, 14.2% in the following quarter, 18.4% in the period July-September and 11.7% in the last quarter of the year.  It should be observed that the industry of the state had positive results since the first quarter of 2003.

In the indicator accumulated in the year, there was increase of 14.2%, five among six surveyed groups had positive rates, being the major influences on the overall average, mining and quarrying (14.8%) and basic metallurgy (22.9%). In these segments, stood out the major extraction of iron ores and the increase in the manufacturing of aluminum oxide. On the other hand, wood (-5.9%) brought the only negative result, influenced by the reduction in the item plywood.

 

NORTHEAST

In December 2006, the industry of the Northeast decreased by 2.8% in relation to November, in the series without seasonal influence, already in the comparison with the immediately previous quarter it increased by 0.1%.  In the comparison with December 2005 the production decreased by 3.4% although the indicator accumulated in the year closed with growth of 3.3%.  The fourth quarter showed expansion of 2.6% compared to the same quarter of the previous year.

In the comparison December 2006/ December 2005, the industry of the Northeast decreased by 3.4% due to the reduction in eight among eleven surveyed segments.  The major influences came from the industries of chemical products (-8.6%), petroleum refining and alcohol production (-7.2%) and mining (-6.6%).  On the other hand, came the industries of food products and beverages (0.9%) and footwear and leather articles (6.7%) with the main positive results.

In quarterly basis, the productive rhythm of the industry of the Northeast decelerated from the third (4.1%) to the fourth quarter (2.6%), both comparisons with the same period of the previous year.  In this period, eight among eleven surveyed segments registered decrease in the production, especially, cellulose and paper, which changed from 15.3% to –2.8%; and textiles (from 5.6% to –2.1%).

In the indicator accumulated in the year, the increase of 3.3% was influenced by the positive performance in nine surveyed activities. Among these, the most significant were food products and beverages (3.7%), basic metallurgy (10.9%) and cellulose and paper (16.6%).  On the other hand, the two only negative results came from mining and quarrying (-4.4%), where stood out the decrease in the extraction of oil; and apparel (-14.5%).

 

CEARÁ

The industrial production of Ceará of December 2006, seasonally adjusted increased by 1.6% in relation to November 2006, after decreasing for two consecutive months, accumulating a loss of 1.9%.  In the comparison December 2006/December 2005, the rate was 5.6%.  The indicator accumulated in the year showed increase of 8.2%, changing the decrease observed in 2005 (-1.6%).  In the quarterly analysis, the last quarter of 2006 increased by 8.0% compared to a similar quarter of the previous year, but was remained 1.2% below the immediately previous month (seasonally adjusted series).

In the comparison with December 2005, for the formation of the rate of 5.6%, contributed positively six among ten surveyed industrial segments, especially chemical products (44.8%).  It is also worth mentioning, petroleum refining and alcohol production (72.7%); basic metallurgy (49.2%), and textiles (4.7%).  On the other hand, the major negative results came from apparel (-41.0) and electric machines, material and equipment (-4.7%).

In the quarterly analysis, all the quarters of 2006 had positive rates.  In the last quarter of 2006, the industry of the state although having as good result (8.0%), had a rate below to the third quarter (10.4%).  This result occurred mainly due to textiles, which diminished its growth from 13.2% to 0.4%; apparel, from 0.5% to –23.0%; and electric machines, material and equipment (from 104.3% to 21.5%).

In the indicator accumulated in the year, the industry of Ceará increased by 8.2%, with positive rates in eight among ten investigated surveyed sectors.  The major positive influences came from textiles (11.5%), chemical products (31.8%), and electric machines, equipment and material (71.9%). On the other hand, the two positive results were recorded by apparel (-16.4%) and non-metallic minerals (-3.6%).

 

PERNAMBUCO

In December 2006, the industrial production of Pernambuco seasonally adjusted increased by 0.4%, after two months of decrease, period in which period it accumulated –1.2%.  In the comparison December 2006/December 2005, the rate was 2.8%.  In the indicator accumulated in the year, the expansion was 4.8%. In the quarterly analysis, the last quarter of the year shows positive rates in the comparison with same quarter of the previous year (5.7%) as in the comparison with the immediately previous quarter (1.1%) – series seasonally adjusted.

In the monthly indicator, the industry of the state increased for the fourteenth consecutive month, with positive rates in seven among eleven surveyed sectors. The main positive result for the formation of this rate of 2.8% came from food products and beverages (2.8%).  It is worth mentioning also, basic metallurgy (11.6%); and rubber and plastic (29.5%).  On the other hand, the main negative influences came from petroleum refining and alcohol production (-18.8%), electric machines, equipment and material (-13.9%) and non-metallic minerals (-9.0%).

The good performance of the fourth quarter of 2006 was confirmed by the comparison with similar quarters of 2005.  In the last quarter of 2006, the industry of the state increased by 5.7%, a rate above the one of the third quarter (3.9%), and reached the sixth quarter in a row with positive results.  This trend of acceleration can be observed in six among eleven surveyed sectors, especially chemical products, which changed from a decrease of 6.7% to an increase of 6.6%, metal products (from –3.1% to 7.7%) and electric machines, equipment and material which reduced the extent of the decrease (from  -15.2% to –9.5%).

In the indicator accumulated in the year, the industry of Pernambuco increased by 4.8%, with positive rates in eight among eleven surveyed activities.  The main positive influences were observed in food products and beverages (8.6%), basic metallurgy (9.2%); and rubber and plastic (27.7%).  The main negative influences came from chemical products (-6.9) and electric machines, material and equipment (-8.8%).

 

BAHIA

In December 2006, the industrial production of Bahia seasonally adjusted fell by 5.5% in relation to November 2006, after two months with positive rates, period in which it accumulated increase of 1.6%.  In the comparison with December 2005, the industrial production of the state fell by 7.6%.  In the indicator accumulated in the year, the rate was 3.2%.  In the quarterly analysis, the last quarter of 2006 showed increase of 0.4% compared to the same quarter of the previous year, but was 0.1% below the immediately previous quarter (series seasonally adjusted).

In the comparison December 2006/December 2005, the industry of the state decreased by 7.6%, with negative rates in six among nine surveyed industrial sectors.  The major negative contribution came from chemical products (-14.0%).  It is worth mentioning also, petroleum refining and alcohol production (-9.5%) and cellulose and paper (-10.8%).  On the other hand, stood out food products and beverages (4.2%) and rubber and plastic  (20.8%).

This trend of deceleration can also be observed in the comparison with similar quarters of the previous year.  In the fourth quarter of 2006, the industry of Bahia increased by 0.4%, a result lower to the one recorded in the third (0.8%), second (4,8%) and first quarter (7.1%).  The deceleration between the third and fourth quarter can be explained, mainly by the following industrial activities: cellulose and paper, which changed from an increase of 16.1% in the third to a reduction of 3.8% in the fourth quarter; automotive vehicles (from –0.4% to –9.7%); non-metallic minerals (from 5.0% to –4.8%) and basic metallurgy (from 5.0% to 2.8%).

In the indicator accumulated, the industrial production of the state increased by 3.2%, with positive results in five among nine investigated sectors.  The main positive influences came from cellulose and paper (18.6%); petroleum refining and alcohol production (4.6%); and basic metallurgy (9.7%).  On the other hand, the major negative influences were observed in food products and beverages (-1.2%) and automotive vehicles (-6.4%).

MINAS GERAIS

The industrial production of Minas Gerais increased by 1.3% from November to December 2006, second consecutive positive rate, accumulating expansion of 3.3%, already seasonally adjusted.  In the comparison December 2006/ December 2005, the expansion was of 6.5%. With this, the indicator accumulated closed the year of 2006 with increase of 4.5%, a result below the one observed in 2005 (6.3%).  In the quarterly analysis, in the period October-December 2006, increase can be observed in the comparison with same quarter of the previous year (5.4%) as in the comparison with the immediately previous quarter (2.3%).

The monthly indicator increased by 6.5%, supported by the industry of manufacturing (5.3%) and by mining and quarrying (14.5%).  In this last one, which has the main contribution on the overall result, stood out the extraction of iron ore.  In the industry of manufacturing, nine among twelve activities had increase, especially automotive vehicles (15.1%), other chemical products (27.2%), petroleum refining and alcohol production  (15.4%).  On the other hand, the most significant negative result was observed in metal products (-23.5%).

In the quarterly analysis, the increase of 5.4% observed in the last quarter of 2006, showed acceleration in the rhythm of expansion of the industry of the state, once it had 3.0% in the second and 3.5% in the third, all the comparisons with the same period of the previous year.  The gain of dynamism from the third to the fourth quarter was observed in seven among thirteen surveyed activities, especially for other chemical products (from –3.4% to  20.6%) and petroleum refining and alcohol production (from –3.3% to 13.7%).

The indicator accumulated in the year showed increase of 4.5%, with positive results in mining and quarrying (8.8%), which stood out as one of the main results o the overall index, as in mining and quarrying (3.8%).  In this last one, with increase in ten among twelve surveyed activities, the major positive contributions came from automotive vehicles (10.6%), food products (4.1%) and basic metallurgy (2.7%).  Among the groups which had reduction in the production, stood out mainly metal products (-13.6%).

ESPÍRITO SANTO

In December 2006, the industrial production of Espírito Santo had a positive change of 0.3%, in the series without seasonal influence, second consecutive positive rate, accumulating in this period expansion of 1.8%.  In the comparison December 2006/ December 2005, there was a two-digit expansion (10.1%).  In the closure of the year 2006, the increase was of 7.6%.  In quarterly basis, the last quarter of the year registered positive results in the comparison with the same quarter of the previous year (10.0%), as well as in the comparison with the immediately previous quarter (4.0%).

In relation to December 2005, the industrial production of the state increased by 10.1%, showing, mainly, the favorable performance of mining and quarrying (27.8%), once the industry of manufacturing showed a more moderate expansion (3.5%).  In the industry of manufacturing, cellulose and paper (8.7%), and food products and beverages (11.4%), due to the items bonbons, increased the production in this type of comparison.  On the other hand, basic metallurgy (-1.8%) and non-metallic minerals (-4.5%) brought the negative results.

In the analysis by quarters, it may be observed the performance considerably higher than in the third (10.8%) and fourth quarter of the year (10.0%), than in the first (2.2%) and second (7.4%), all the comparisons compared to a similar period of the previous year.  The major dynamism of the overall industry in the second semester can be explained mainly by the good performance of mining and quarrying, which changed from 2.8% in the period January-June to 18.9% in the second semester, once the manufacturing industry, which changed from 5.5% to 7.0%, had a more moderate growth.

The indicator accumulated in the year, compared to a similar period of the previous year, increased by 7.6%, with positive results in the manufacturing industry (6.3%) as well as in mining and quarrying (10.9%).  In this last one, which stands out as the main influence on the overall average of industry, stood out the major extraction of petroleum.  In the manufacturing industry, all the surveyed groups increased the production, especially the groups of basic metallurgy (8.0%) and food products and beverages (12.5%).

 

RIO DE JANEIRO

In December 2006, the industrial production of Rio de Janeiro had decrease (-1.0%) compared to November 2006, already seasonally adjusted, after two months of expansion, period in which it accumulated growth of 2.1%.  In the comparison December 2006/December 2005, a negative rate was also observed (-0.9%). With this, the indicator accumulated in the year closed the year of 2006 with increase of 1.9%, a result below the 2.2% observed in the indicator accumulated until November. In the quarterly indexes, the production in the period October-December of 2006 was almost stable compared to the same quarter of the previous year (0.1%), but was 0.6% higher than in the immediately previous quarter (series seasonally adjusted).

In the comparison with December 2005, the industrial production of the state decreased by 0.9%, influenced mainly by the adverse performance registered by the manufacturing industry (-1.9%), once mining and quarrying remained with expansion (3.0%).  In this last one, which shows the fifth consecutive positive result, the main highlight came from the extraction of petroleum. In the manufacturing industry, where six among twelve activities had reduction in the production, the major negative results came from petroleum refining and alcohol production (-12.8%), still influenced by the decrease in the manufacturing of diesel oil, and by automotive vehicles (-28.5%), influenced by collective vacations in an important company. It is worth mentioning also, the negative contributions that came from food products (-12.0%) and basic metallurgy (-4.3%). Among the groups which expanded the production, edition and printing (18.7%), rubber and plastic (52.6%) and pharmaceutical industry (8.8%) brought the major influence, especially the increases of the items newspapers; tires; and remedies, respectively.

In the quarterly analysis, even with a slight positive change (0.1%), the industry of the state had twelve consecutive quarters of positive rates, although with an evident trend of deceleration in the productive rhythm during 2006, once it had 5.1% in the period January-March; 1.7% in the second quarter; and 1.1% in the third quarter, all comparisons with similar period of the previous year. The loss of dynamism from the third to the fourth quarter shows, mainly, the performance of the industry of manufacturing, which changed from an increase of 1.0% to a decrease to 0.7%, once mining and quarrying, which changed from 1.5% to 3.5%, showed gain of rhtyhm in the two quarters.

In the indicator for the closure of the year, the industrial production of Rio de Janeiro ended 2006 with expansion of 1.9%, compared to a similar period of the previous year, showing a result considerably close to the one obtained in 2005 (2.0%), although below the national average performance (2.8%). Mining and quarrying (5.0%), due to the good performance in the extraction of petroleum, has the main positive influence in the overall average.  In the manufacturing industry (1.2%), which shows a more moderate rhythm of expansion, five among ten analyzed segments registered positive rates. The major contributions in the composition of the overall index were food products (11.0%) and edition and printing (10.2%).  Among the activities which reduced the production, stood out, in this comparison, basic metallurgy, with decrease of 4.6%, petroleum refining and alcohol production (-2.5%) and automotive vehicles (-4.1%).

SÃO PAULO

In December 2006, the industrial production of São Paulo increased by 1.1% compared to November 2006, in the series with seasonal adjustment, after decreasing by 1.0% in the previous month.  In relation to December 2005, it decreased by 1.5%.  In the indicator accumulated in the year, it registered increase of 3.2%, above the national average (2.8%) and below the closure of 2005 (3.7%).  In the quarterly indexes, the increase was of 0.2%, in the comparison with the immediately previous quarter – series seasonally adjusted – and of 2.6% in relation to the fourth quarter of 2005.

The decrease of 1.5% in the monthly indicator shows, mainly, the negative result observed in seven among twenty surveyed activities. The main highlights were: automotive vehicles (-15.3%), in which the granting of collective vacations in the main companies explains the lower production of automobiles; electronic material and communication equipment (-21.6%); and edition and printing (-8.4%).  On the other hand, the most positive influences came from office machines and computer equipment (84.7%), petroleum refining and alcohol production (7.6%) and food products (5.0%).

In the analysis by quarters, it can be observed that the industrial sector of São Paulo is being sustaining positive results for thirteen consecutive quarters, in the comparisons with similar period of the previous year. In the fourth quarter of 2006, the increase of 2.6% showed deceleration in the rhythm of growth, once the third quarter showed expansion of 3.4%.  This trend was observed in ten among twenty surveyed segments, mainly in automotive vehicles, which changed from 3.5%, in the period July-September, to –4.4%, in the period October-December, food products (from 5.2% to 1.3%) and edition and printing (from 3.5% to –0.9%).

The production accumulated of the industry of São Paulo closed the year of 2006 increasing by 3.2%, with seventeen among twenty groups contributing positively for the overall indicator.  The main positive influences came from office machines and computer equipment (48.5%), machines and equipment (5.5%) and food products (4.3%).  On the other hand, the segments that brought negative results were metal products (-3.1%), rubber and plastic (-1.4%) and other transport equipment (-1.7%).

 

PARANÁ

The industrial production of Paraná increased by 3.2% in December of 2006 in relation to November, third consecutive positive result, accumulating expansion of 9.6%, already seasonally adjusted.  In the comparison with December 2005, an expansion of 2.7% can be observed, although the indicator accumulated in the year closed in 2006 with decrease of 1.6%.  In the quarterly indexes, the last quarter of the year had expansion compared to the same period of the previous year (4.5%) as in the comparison with the immediately previous quarter (4.7%) – series with seasonal adjustment.

In the comparison December 2006/ December 2005, the production of Paraná increased by 2.7%, with eight among fourteen activities with positive rates.  Edition and printing (33.4%), other chemical products (29.0%) and food products (3.8%) brought the main influences. On the other hand, the major negative results came from automotive vehicles (-8.5%), and wood (-10.3%).

In the quarterly analysis, it could observed growth of 4.5% in the fourth quarter of 2006, changing a decrease observed in the period July-September (-3.3%). Ten among fourteen surveyed activities contributed for this trend, especially automotive vehicles, which changed from –33.1% in the third to –14.8% in the last quarter, and edition and printing (from 3.7% to 45.0%).

The indicator accumulated in the year fell by 1.6%, with five among fourteen surveyed segments having decrease in the production.  The major negative contributions were observed in automotive vehicles (-20.5%), and wood (-12.7%) and the main positive influences came from food products (5.8%) and edition and printing (10.7%).

 

SANTA CATARINA

In December 2006, the index of industrial production of Santa Catarina seasonally adjusted increased by 1.3% compared to November 2006 (0.5%).  In the comparison December 2006/December 2005, the decrease was of 1.6%. This way, the indicator accumulated closed the year with a slight positive rate (0.2%), a result close to the one observed in 2005 (0.0%). In the quarterly indicators, the production in the period October-December 2006, in the comparison with the same period of the previous year (0.1%) as in relation to the immediately previous quarter (0.0%), was stable.

In relation to December 2005, the industrial sector of the state decreased by 1.6%, with negative results in seven among eleven surveyed industrial sectors. The most significant negative result was observed in the textile industry (-9.8%), followed by food products (-3.7%) and apparel (-12.6%). Other important negative contributions came from wood (-10.7%) and rubber and plastic (-6.4%).  Among the four activities with increase in the production, the one that most influenced the overall rate was machines and equipment (8.9%), being the major influence the item refrigerators.  It is also worth mentioning the increases in cellulose and paper (10.7%) and automotive vehicles (5.9%).

The industrial activity of the state in the fourth quarter of 2006 was almost stable (0.1%), after increasing by 2.7% in the period July-September, both comparisons with the same period of the previous year.  This loss of dynamism can be explained by the reduction in the rhythm of growth observed in the groups machines and equipment, which changed from 31.9% in the third quarter to 8.3% in the period October-December, and of automotive vehicles (from 30.9% to 11.8%).

In the indicator accumulated in the year, the industry of Santa Catarina closed 2006 with a slight positive change (0.2%), a result considerably below the national average (2.8%). The leadership in terms of influence on the global index, remained with machines and equipment (12.1%) and automotive vehicles (24.9%).  It is also worth mentioning the positive performance of rubber and plastic (9.0%).  On the other hand, the most important negative contribution came from food products (-8.0%), due to the reduction in the production of poultry pluck, giblets and meats, followed by wood (-17.2%), due to the item plywood, and apparel (-10.0%), with a profile of generalized decrease in the surveyed products.

 

RIO GRANDE DO SUL

In December 2006, the industry of Rio Grande do Sul, in the series without seasonal influence, increased by 2.6% compared to November, second consecutive positive rate, accumulating in these two months a gain of 4.2%.  In the comparison December 2006/December 2005, the result was of stability (0.0%), while the indicator accumulated in the year closed 2006 with a decrease of 2.0%.

In the quarterly indexes, the results are positive in the comparison with the same quarter of the previous year (1.2%) as well as in the comparison with the immediately previous quarter (1.3%) – seasonally adjusted series.

In the comparison with the same month of the previous year, the industry of the state was stable (0.0%), showing the equilibrium among the groups that increased (seven) and those that decreased (seven).  The most relevant positive results came from automotive vehicles (20.6%), rubber and plastic (15.0%) and furniture  (11.6%).  On the other hand, the major negative influences in the overall result were observed in footwear and leather articles (-13.9%) and food products (-4.0%).

On quarterly basis, the industry of the state in the last quarter of the year (1.2%), after falling in the three first quarters of the year, had again a positive rate, all comparisons with similar period of the previous year. The gain of dynamism observed from the third (-1.3%) to the fourth quarter of 2006 (1.2%) showed mainly, the favorable performance of ten among fourteen surveyed segments, especially automotive vehicles, which changed from 4.0% to 16.8%; and petroleum refining and alcohol production (from –2.8% to 6.8%).

The industrial production of Rio Grande Sul closed 2006 with decrease of 2.0%, showing a less negative result than the one obtained in the previous year (-3.6%).  Seven among fourteen industrial groups had negative results, and the major negative results came from machines and equipment (-16.3%), footwear and leather articles (-8.9%) and metal products (-10.7%).  On the other hand, the industries of food products (4.7%) and automotive vehicles (7.1%) brought the major positive results.

GOIÁS

In December 2006, the industrial production of Goiás decreased by 1.0% compared to November, series seasonally adjusted, after two months with positive rates, in which it accumulated gain of 6.0%.  In the comparison December 2006/December 2005, it could be observed expansion of 0.6%.  The indicator accumulated in the year closed 2006 with increase of 2.4%, a result below the one of 3.2% observed in 2005.  In the quarterly indexes, the production of the last quarter of the year increase compared to the previous year (4.4%) as well as in the comparison with the immediately previous quarter (1.6%) – series seasonally adjusted.

In the comparison with December 2005, expansion of 0.6% was observed, with three among five segments with positive rates.  The main positive contribution came from chemical products (23.6%), as a consequence mainly of the increase in the production of remedies and adobes or fertilizers.  Among the ones with negative rates stood out the decrease of food products and beverages (-3.5%).

In the analysis by quarters, it could be observed that the industry of Goiás increased by 4.4% in the last quarter of the year, best performance since the second quarter of 2005 (9.8%).  It is worth observing that the performance in the second semester of the year (3.2%) was higher than the one observed in the first (1.5%).  The gain of dynamism from the third (2.1%) to the fourth quarter (4.4%) was observed in four among five surveyed segments, especially chemical products (from 14.3% to 19.6%) and mining and quarrying (from –0.6% to 28.3%).

In the indicator closing the year, the production of Goiás closed 2006 with expansion of 2.4%, with four among five activities showing growth compared to same period of the previous year.  The only exception was the decrease observed in mining and quarrying (-5.2%). Among the groups with increase, the main highlights were chemical products (14.8%) and basic metallurgy (7.2%).