Export conditions and formal employment in brazilian manufacturing industries in the period 2003-2008

The rearrangement of Brazil's production base took place after the 1990s, in a period of an open economy and greater international insertion of the Brazilian industry, on the one hand, and of greater exposure to international competition, often under unfavourable conditions, on the other. This study examines to which extent economic determinants affected job creation in manufacturing industries according to the degree of international insertion of the firms. It aims to determine whether the internationalization of Brazilian firms is associated to more favourable occupational profiles in terms of qualification and job stability. Results confirm that the continued growth trend associated with external insertion is a relevant propeller to a greater qualification of the workforce.