Rio, 2/11/2004 (Agência Brasil - ABr) - Exports by the state of Rio de Janeiro rose 32.5% last year, compared to 2002, reaching US$4.8 billion. The state is Brazil's fifth biggest exporter, but its exports were up 21% over the national average. Leading the Rio exports were petroleum and natural gas, accounting for almost 40% of total exports.

There were sharp increases in exports of vehicles, up 147%, and sheet steel, up 86%.

Manufactured goods led the rise in exports, up 41.5%. In 2003, Rio exports goods to 174 countries (an increase of 13 over 2002). Twenty-one percent of Rio exports went to the US; Chile got 6.1%, and China 5.8%. (AB)