The CNI (National Confederation of Industry) reported this Friday (22) that the index that measures the evolution of industrial production fell seven points in April, from 53.7 points to 46.7 points. The indicator reached the lowest level for the month since 2023.
“The historical series shows that it is normal for production to decline in April, but the drop recorded in 2026 was higher than usual, reflecting a more intense loss of pace in industrial activity, which continues to be pressured by high interest rates and increased costs”, explains CNI’s Economic Analysis Manager, Marcelo Azevedo.
The evolution index for the number of employees fell from 49.1 points in March to 48.7 points in April, revealing a decline in jobs in the sector. The movement is also usual, but it was more intense than in previous years. The indicator is at its lowest level in the last three years.
With production falling, the industrial park was in less demand. The UCI (Use of Installed Capacity) fell one point in April, to 68%. In the same month last year, the UCI reached 69%.
The idea is that the result is positive or negative when it is above or below the 50-point line.
In May, expectation indicators registered small variations and remained positive. The expectation index for the purchase of inputs and raw materials rose 0.1 point, to 52.6 points; the number of employees increased by 0.3 points, reaching 50.4 points; and the quantity exported also rose 0.3 points, reaching 51.2 points. The expected demand index for industrial products, on the other hand, fell 0.5 points, reaching 53.4 points.
All expectation indices remain above the 50-point line, indicating that businesspeople project an increase in demand, the purchase of inputs, the total number of workers and exports.
Business owners’ investment intentions increased by 1.1 points, from 53.7 points to 54.8 points. The result interrupts a sequence of four consecutive falls.
For this edition of the Industrial Survey, the CNI consulted 1,366 companies – 576 small, 465 medium and 325 large – between May 4 and 13, 2026.
