Rio, 10 (Agência Brasil - ABr) - Aracruz Celulose, the world's biggest manufacturer of celullose made from eucaliptis trees, reports that its sales volume rose 14% and production rose 15% in the first half of this year, compared to the same period last year. Net revenue at the firm rose 7% during the first half, reaching R$676.5 million (US$236.6 million), compared to R$634.3 million (US$221.8 million) during the same period last year.

However, Aracruz also announced that it had overall losses for the period of R$79.7 million (US$27.9 million), mainly due to currency devaluation. For the sake of comparison, the firm had profits of R$136.4 million (US$47.7 million) last year.

As Aracruz receives revenue in dollars and pays expenses in reais, it is expected that the balance sheet for the rest of the year will improve. (AB)