Industry confidence fell in 22 of the 29 sectors in March, informed today (23) the National Confederation of Industry (CNI). The fall in the Industrial Entrepreneurs’ Confidence Index (Icei), in comparison with the month of February, was mainly due to the worsening in the perception of the business community of the current moment of the economy and the industrial sector. Despite the drop, the index for all sectors remained above the 50-point mark that separates confidence from lack of confidence.
The biggest decline in confidence occurred in the manufacturing industry, in the segment of electrical machines, appliances and materials. The sector’s Icei went from 58.7 points in February to 53.3 points in March.
In addition to this segment, other significant reductions in confidence were recorded, between February and March, in the automotive (59.8 points to 55.8 points), metallurgy (57.5 points to 53.8 points), biofuels (59.3 points to 55.9 points) and metal products (59.9 points to 56.5 points).
The survey also pointed out that, in March, the least confident sectors were infrastructure and furniture works, both with Icei standing at 52.6 points; textile products (53); electrical machines, appliances and materials (53.3) and cleaning, perfumery and personal hygiene products (HPPC), whose Icei stood at 53.4.
The sectors whose confidence proved to be the strongest were miscellaneous products, whose Icei stood at 60.7 points; footwear and parts thereof (58.8); pharmochemical and pharmaceutical products 58.8; manufacture of clothing and accessories (58.2) and wood products (58.1).
The CNI also said that only six of 29 sectors positively assess the current conditions of companies and the Brazilian economy compared to the last six months: leather, pharmaceuticals, machinery and equipment, other transport equipment, various products and biofuels.
For the next six months, the confederation said that expectations remain optimistic for the 29 sectors analyzed.
