Brasília, January 2, 2003 (Agência Brasil - ABr) - Brazil's commercial performance on the international stage last year was unprecedented. According to figures released today by the Ministry of Development, the trade balance in 2003 amounted to US$ 24.831 billion. This represents an historical record. The surplus registered in 2002 was US$ 13.126 billion.

In December, the balance racked up a surplus of US$ 2.759 billion, with exports of US$ 6.748 billion and imports of US$ 3.989 billion. Imports grew in December. Brazil bought 10.6% more than in December, 2002. For the secretary of Foreign Trade of the Ministry of Development, Industry, and Foreign Trade, Ivan Ramalho, these data represent the consolidation of a growth trend in Brazil's imports registered over the last four months of 2003.

STANDOUTS

Manufactured products were what most contributed to sales abroad. The major buyers were the United States, Argentina, the Low Countries, and China.

From January to December, 2003, exports attained a record total of US$ 73.084 billion. Imports summed US$ 48.253 billion. The expectation of the Minister of Development, Luiz Fernando Furlan, is that exports will reach US$ 80 billion this year, a 10-11% increase over 2003. (DAS)