Growth in Brazilian packaging

As revealed by a study by the market consulting and advisory company Maxiquim, under commission from the Brazilian association of flexible packaging manufacturers (Abief), turnover for the industry increased by 7.5% in 2012 over the previous year, reaching 12 billion Brazilian real (4.8 billion euros). Production volume exceeded 1.8 million tons, representing an increase of 1.9% over 2011. Profits, however, were not particularly satisfying, influenced by the instability of raw materials prices.
Regarding foreign markets, a worsening of the balance of trade was observed, with imports increasing by 12% in value and 13% by volume while exports declined. Packaging represents some 40% of Brazilian production of plastic articles and Abief says the outlook for 2013 is quite positive.