The index that measures the performance of small industries in Brazil reflects a relatively strong activity during the first quarter of the year, above the average of expectations for the period, and above its historical average.
The index was 44.0 points for the first quarter, against 42.6 points for the historical average of that period and 43.8 points when considering the historical average independently of the period.
Conversely, when considering the index of confidence ascribed by entrepreneurs of the sector to the Brazilian economy, the ICEI index, the situation is different, with the lack of confidence reflected by a index of 47.7 points in April 2023, 0.8 points less than in March and reduced by 14.2 points during the last seven months to April.
The main problems quoted by small entrepreneurs of the manufacturing industry, in the order of importance, were high tax charges, low domestic demand, shortage or high cost of raw materials, high interest rates and unfair competition from informality or contraband.
In the civil construction sector, the problems were high tax rates, bureaucracy, shortage of qualified workers, shortage or high costs of raw materials and reduced domestic demand.
In the mining sector, the problems mentioned were high tax charges, low domestic demand, shortage or high energy costs, unfair competition and bureaucracy.