Sales in the Brazilian composites industry were US$240 million in the first quarter of 2015, a 15% drop compared to the same period of the previous year, according to a new survey from the Latin American Composite Materials Association (ALMACO).
Compared to the last three months of 2014, the drop corresponded to 14.4%, while in terms of volume of composites processed, the declines were even more pronounced: 18.2% and 16.2%, respectively, totaling 44,000 tons.
According to Gilmar Lima, president of ALMACO, in addition to the current economic scenario faced in Brazil, the main factors responsible for such scenario are the cuts and delays in government funding transfers to social programs. ‘The uncertainties and lack of confidence further aggravates the crisis. On the other hand, there is a conformity in the composites industry, illustrated by the lack of reaction and creativity,’ he said.
For the second quarter, however, the survey indicates a 8.1% sales increase, totaling US$ 260 million – in volume of processed material, jumping 7.4%, reaching 47,000 tons.
Period of instability ‘Some segments remain stable, such as the water tank and wind segments. It is a moment of calm, but also a period to seek new niches and opportunities that will emerge in this period of instability,’ added Lima. ‘Knowledge, staff training, differentiated business models, innovation and speed in the development of solutions, including products with the use of waste, will be crucial to overcome this crisis.’ Also according to ALMACO’s survey, the Brazilian composite materials industry should close 2015 accounting for a turnover of US$ 1,021 billion, or 5.6% lower than last year. In terms of volume, it will correspond to a 7.1% decline (totaling 191,000 tons).
This story is reprinted from material from ALMACO, with editorial changes made by Materials Today. The views expressed in this article do not necessarily represent those of Elsevier.
