REFLEXOS NA LUCRATIVIDADE DAS INDÚSTRIAS DA DEPENDÊNCIA DE INSUMOS IMPORTADOS: UM ESTUDO DO SETOR MOAGEIRO DE TRIGO CEARENSE

Abstract

The objective of this study is to investigate the consequences of the dependence of wheat imports in the profitability of industries pertaining to the state of Ceará mill sector. The results thereto may be applied to other activities where the dependency of imported inputs is a fact.  It is a descriptive study, with quantitative approach, supported by documentary and bibliographical research. For the achievement of the research objective the national dependence of  wheat imports was discussed in light of the theories of international trade; and the reasons for the current level of dependence of the imported wheat were presented. The consequences of such a dependence on firms profitability were demonstrated concerning the state of Ceará mill sector through multiple linear regression analysis where the aim was to establish the degree of influence of the exchange rate and the cost of the wheat in the variation of the marginal contribution.  It was verified that the exchange rate  increases and the cost of  wheat in grain had influenced, significantly, in the reduction of the profitability and it was demonstrated that the marginal contribution, gained by the mills pertaining to the state of Ceará establishments, suffered a reduction from 46,68%, in January of 2000, to 26,91%, in December of 2003, and that the oscillation of the exchange rate represents a risk to the financial health of the sector.