Brasília, 2/3/2004 (Agência Brasil - ABr) - With good prices on international markets, especially for commodities, and a continuing rise in export volume, Brazil had the best January in history in terms of foreign trade. The trade surplus reached US$1.588 billion, a new record.

Total exports were a record US$5.8 billion, up 26.5% over last year.

The government is hoping to close out 2004 with an 11% increase in total exports. (AB)