The Brazilian industry between 2007-2014: losses and gains in a low-growth environment

Abstract

This article presents an overview of the transformations that took place in the Brazilian industry from 2007 to 2014. The database used is the IBGE’s Pesquisa Industrial Anual (Annual Industrial Research). In the period under investigation, there was a significant advance of the extractive industry in the Brazilian industrial structure. The growth of Oil and Natural Gas Extraction was highlighted, as a result of the exploration of new Brazilian reserves in pre-salt areas. Some manufacturing activities linked to goods that meet the needs of the base of the social pyramid took full advantage of the economic policy stimuli at the time. The balance between falling labor productivity and rising labor costs has led to an almost generalized drop in profitability, which helps to explain the small growth in investments.

Keywords:
Industry; Productivity; Personnel expenses; Profitability; Investment