Brasilia, 26 (Agência Brasil - ABr) - Brazilian exports increased 20.2% in the 4th week of February (Feb. 18 to 24), in a comparison with the 3rd week, according to the Ministry of Development, Industry and Foreign Trade. The 42.1% expansion in the sale of basic products - such as iron ore, chicken meat, beef, soybean meal, coffee, corn and tobacco leaves - was one of the main reasons that enabled the country to achieve US$ 230 million in foreign sales last week.

The 21.4% increase in the sale of manufactured goods - such as aircraft, signal reception and transmission equipment, automobiles, motors for vehicles, refined sugar and orange juice - also helped boost exports.

On the other hand, the exports of semi-manufactured products dropped 1 percent in the 4th week of February. (MW)