Brazil’s furniture industry recorded an increase of 8.9 per cent in production in the first three months of this year. In the 12 months up to March 2018 there was an almost nine per cent rise.

According to the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE), compared to a month earlier domestic furniture sales in March fell slightly although year-on-year March sales were up.

Analysts suggest that domestic sales in 2018 will be better than 2017 but that month on month volatility can be expected.

The private sector confirmed the slight drop saying March output declined 2.5 per cent compared to February but increased seven per cent compared to production in March last year. The weak retail furniture sales reflect consumer uncertainties with the economy and politics in the country.

(Source: ITTO)