Sales of building materials industry fall 2.9% in August, says Abramat

SÃO PAULO-sales of building materials industry in the country in August grew by 6.2% in comparison with July and fell 2.9% in relation to same month of 2016. In the year, sales fell by 6.1%, while the 12-month accumulated fall totaled 7.8%.
The information was disclosed on Wednesday, 13, by the Brazilian Association of the industry of building materials (Abramat). The data are deflated.
With the fall in trade of materials, industry followed by cutting staff. The number of people employed in the sector in August recorded a fall of 5.3% compared to August of 2016. In the year and in 12 months, the casualties were, respectively, of 6.2% and 6.7%.
The Abramat surveyed notes that the reduction in the market in 2017 must turn around 5% to 6%, as expected.
The Association also pointed out that the fall in sales of basic material has been slightly higher than that of finishing materials, reflecting the reduction in the beginning of new infrastructure and buildings.