Projection goes up and sale should grow 12%
Valor Econômico
The strong performance of the sales of corrugated cardboard in the first half and the perspective of maintaining of positive economic indicators during the second half of 2010 led industry to review, upwards, the expectation for the businesses this year. After increasing, at the end of March, from 8% to 9%, the forecast of increase in the sales of the sector, the Brazilian Association of Corrugated Board (ABPO) now works with an expectation of growth of 12%. The performance of the industry of boxes, accessories and boards of corrugated cardboard is considered an important thermometer of the level of economic activity in the country.
During the first six months of this year, according to a preview released yesterday by the ABPO, the sales of cardboard amounted to 1.256 million tons, an increase of 19.49% compared to that registered in the first half of 2009. Such performance reflects the monthly average of 209.439 thousand tons, compared to the 189.489 tons a month in 2009. "Traditionally, the second half is even stronger for the industry", says the President of the entity, Ricardo Trombini. Confirmed the 12% growth forecast, the sales of cardboard should achieve 2.55 million tons this year, a new record for the industry.
The greater demand also reflects on the rising prices, which are also pushed by rising costs of the raw materials - both the virgin pulp and the secondary fibers go through strong price increase in the first half. From January to June, according to the industry, the corrugated cardboard was on average 20% more expensive and there is margin for a new adjustment, of nearly 15%, during the second half. "The costs continue under pressure, which should lead to a new correction in the prices until the end of the year", he says.
According to Trombini, the greater demand for cardboard led the plants to operate with a rate of use near 96% and 97%. However, there is no risk of shortage or need to import. "There are ongoing investments and others should be announced until the end of the year", he explains. Traditionally, the industries of food and hygiene and cleanliness are the greatest buyers, in volume, of cardboard boxes and accessories. "These are the sectors that are driving the growth". The preview of the ABPO indicates that, in June, the sales amounted to 219.119 thousand tons, an increase of 17.22% in the annual comparison, however, there was a 3.83% fall compared to May. According to Trombini, the fall corresponds to less than one day of production and it was already expected.