Industrial Activity Showed Positive Trend in Brazil in July 2014

Industrial activity showed positive trend in Brazil in July 2014, according to the National Confederation of Industry (CNI), Agencia Brasil reported.

The use of installed capacity increased to 81 percent in July 2014, up 0.6 percentage points from 80.4 percent in June, CNI said.

July saw the first month-on-month increase in use of installed capacity following four consecutive months of decline.

The number of hours worked in industrial production increased by 2.6 percent month-on-month in July, while actual revenues also went up by 1.2 percent.

However, both employment and total wages paid showed a decrease of 0.2 percent. On the other hand, actual average income was up 0.1 percent.

July 2014 indicators were impacted by the FIFA World Cup, due to which July comprised less number of business days than June, CNI said.

Despite increases in number of hours worked, revenues and use of installed capacity, the overall industry scenario remains one of slowdown, according to the CNI. (RKS)