Output In Brazil, Argentina & Mexico Strong

Brazil, Argentina and Mexico, Latin America’s three largest economies responsible for more than 80% of the region’s manufacturing output, will have a strong finish to 2008 and continued growth in 2009, the Manufacturers Alliance/MAPI said.  

MAPI raised its forecast for overall manufacturing output in Latin America in 2008 to 4.9% from its 3.8% forecast in their December 2007 report, slightly above the 4.6% expansion of 2007, Industry Week reports.

The forecast also indicates that production growth will ease to 4.4% in 2009, with deceleration in Brazil and Argentina, but slight improvement in Mexico.

Brazil’s manufacturing production is expected to expand 6.8% in 2008 and is a key element in MAPI’s higher forecast for the current year.  The manufacturers of motor vehicles, other transport equipment, machinery and equipment, and electrical machinery and apparatus are the most important contributors to output growth in Brazil.

Mexico’s manufacturing output is expected to increase by 2% and Argentina’s by 7.5% in 2008, down from 9% in 2007.   ❖