Brazil Industrial Output Rises 0.1% in March, Topping Forecasts

Overview

• IBGE’s report Thursday showed production up 0.1% from February, the third straight gain and stronger than a market call for a 0.1% drop.
• Output stands 3.3% above the pre‑pandemic level from February 2020 yet remains 13.9% below the May 2011 peak.
• Year to date the sector is up 3.1%, production rose 4.3% from March 2025, and the three‑month average quickened to 1.0% growth.
• Gains were led by coke, petroleum derivatives and biofuels, up 2.2% for a fourth month, and by chemicals, up 4.0% after a February decline, a trend some reporting links to Middle East tensions affecting fuel markets.
• Most branches fell, with beverages down 2.9% and machinery, appliances and electrical materials down 3.9%, even as all four major industry groups posted small monthly increases.