Rio, April 5, 2004 (Agência Brasil) - Brazilian exports to Cuba grew 26.5%, from US$ 7 million to US$ 9 million, over the first two months of the year. At the same time imports rose 180%, from US$ 2 million to US$ 5 million.

The secretary of Foreign Trade, Ivan Ramalho, attributed the increase in Brazilian imports from Cuba this year to the fact that 400 Brazilian companies currently do business with that country, involving a diversified range of merchandise, which contributes to the expansion of the list of products that are sold. Indeed, the secretary believes that imports of Cuban products will exceed Brazilian exports to Cuba in 2004. The trade figures for March will be available beginning April 15, he informed.

Last year Brazil exported US$ 70 million to Cuba and imported US$ 22 million, generating a US$ 48 million trade surplus in Brazil's favor. Transportation material, vehicle frames, agricultural food products, electronic equipment, furniture, and shoes are some of the Brazilian products exported to Cuba. For its part, Cuba supplies the Brazilian market with nickel, medications for human and veterinary use, medical equipment, insecticides, equipment for the sugar industry, software programs, and educational programs, among other items.

Translator: David Silberstein