Export earnings from sales of vehicles, agricultural machinery, auto parts, and motors rose 33.8% in May, compared with the same period last year, and 1.7% in relation to April of this year.
Motor vehicle production attained the mark of 213,400 units, the most ever for the month of May. These data were released June 6 by the National Association of Motor Vehicle Manufacturers (Anfavea).
Anfavea estimates that exports will grow 7% this year, compared with 2004. Sales are expected to amount to US$ 9.8 billion.
Anfavea president, Rogélio Golfarb, commented, however, that the sector’s growth rate will be lower in 2005 than in 2004.
“Our worries stem from two factors: the substantial appreciation of the real and cost increases in general, mainly in the prices of industrial commodities, which raises production costs.”
Between January and May, 984.8 thousand units were produced, 13.52% more than during the same period last year.
Exports have totaled US$ 4.077 billion so far this year, 35.5% more than in the first five months of 2004. Domestic vehicle sales rose 3.9% in May, when 142,978 units were sold.
Agência Brasil