Rio Grande do Sul manufacturing sales grow 0.4%

Manufacturing industries in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, recorded a 0.4% increase in sales volume between January and September compared to the same period in 2025. This growth was primarily driven by strong performance in the first and second quarters, which saw increases of 1.9% and 2%, respectively. The 12-month balance also remains positive with a 0.8% rise.

Sales to other Brazilian states grew by 2.5%, while domestic sales rose by 0.4%. Conversely, exports fell by 4.7%, a decline influenced by surcharges imposed by the United States. Key sectors driving the growth include motor vehicles, trailers, and bodies, which rose 15.4%, and food products, which increased by 3.5% during the first half of the year.

Despite the sales growth, industrial confidence remains cautious. The Industrial Entrepreneur Confidence Index (Icei) rose by 3.1 points to 45.5 in the first 20 days of October, though it remains below the 50-point threshold. Business leaders cited political and economic uncertainties, changes in working hours, and international tensions in the Middle East as factors contributing to ongoing caution.