Brasília, January 27, 2003 (Agência Brasil - ABr) - The increase in exports in every category of Brazilian products - raw materials, semi-manufactured goods, and manufactures - contributed to an increase of 20.8% in the country's sales abroad. According to data from the Secretariat of Foreign Trade, Brazilian exports added up to US$ 218.1 million through the fourth week of January, compared to sales of US$ 180.5 million in January, 2002.

The increase is mostly due to exports of semi-manufactured goods - soybean oil, cellulose, raw sugar, aluminum, iron, steel, cowhides and skins - the sales of which grew 53%, increasing from US$ 29.6 million to US$ 45.4 million over the period. Raw materials - soybeans and soy meal, pork, beef, poultry, coffee beans, tobacco, and iron ore - and manufactures - fuel oil, gasoline, sheet iron and steel, orange juice, vehicle motors, and passenger vehicles - grew 40.4% and 20.7%, respectively, compared to the average of exports in January, 2002. Imports declined 4%. From US$ 172.8 million in January last year, they fell to an average of US$ 165.8 million during the first four weeks of 2003. (DAS)