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Brazil's industrial capacity utilization hit record-low in 2015

Xinhua, January 23, 2016 Adjust font size:

Brazil's industrial sector registered a capacity utilization of 62 percent in December 2015, the lowest monthly rate registered since early 2011, the National Industry Confederation (CNI) said on Friday.

The average capacity utilization in 2015 was down from 71 percent in 2014 to 66 percent.

"For the next six months, perspectives are pessimistic and the intention to invest is low. Businesses expect a decrease in demand, employee numbers and purchases of raw materials," the CNI report stated.

The indicator for export expectations shows optimism as exporters are placing their bets in the foreign markets, according to the report.

The production indicator fell to 35.5 percent in December -- any value below 50 indicates a reduction in industrial output. The indicator for industrial employment fell to 41.5 percent, indicating job loss in the industrial sector.

The indicator for investment intentions, which measures an intent to make investments in the near future, fell 0.8 percent to 41.6 percent in December. The indicator runs from zero to 100, and the higher the figures, the higher the expectations to invest.

The industrial sector in Brazil faced several problems in 2015, including a high tax burden, low demand and a rise in energy prices, according to CNI's report. Endi