Porto Alegre, 26 (Agência Brasil - ABr) - Exports from Brazil to Argentina have fallen heavily this year because of the crisis there. According to the secretary of the Foreign Trade Chamber (Camex), Roberto Gianetti da Fonseca, Q1 exports are down 70% compared to last year.

"While we exported US$350 million per month to Argentina last year, this year the average is down to US$100 million," says Fonseca, adding that there has been a corresponding drop in that country's position as Brazil's second biggest trade partner to sixth or seventh place. Fonseca says that in spite of the crisis, Mercosur is not threatened. "We stand by Argentina and are ready to do whatever is necessary to help," he concluded. (AB)