Brasília, November 11, 2003 (Agência Brasil - ABr) - The Brazilian trade balance has amassed a cumulative surplus of US$ 20.773 billion from January through the first week of November (1-9). Nevertheless, experts from the Ministry of Development maintain the forecast of a US$ 22 billion surplus, even though there are only 50 days left in the year. They believe that seasonal factors can influence the final result.

Exports grew 23.6% in the period January-November (first week)/2003, compared with January-November (first week)/2002 and stood at US$ 61.9 billion (an average of US$ 286.6 million per business day). Over the same period imports grew 2.8% for a total of US$ 41.127 billion (an average of US$ 190.4 million per business day).

In the first week of November, sales of Brazilian products abroad outstripped purchases by US$ 433 million. Exports amounted to US$ 1.544 billion, 20.5% more than last November, with average sales of US$ 308.8 million per business day, and imports came to US$ 1.111 billion, 15.5% more than last November, with average purchases of US$ 222.2 million per business day.

Compared to October, 2003, exports dropped 6.1%, while imports increased 1.7%. (DAS)