Brasília, February 23, 2004 (Agência Brasil - ABr) - Brazilian exports to Arab countries totalled US$ 259 million in January, 17.4% more than in January, 2003. 15 of the 22 countries that belong to the Arab League raised their imports from Brazil.

The standout was Egypt, with 50% more in purchases, which rose from US$ 28.5 million to US$ 42.9 million. Most of the increase was due to shipments of Brazilian beef to that country.

Morocco was another country with a significantly larger volume of imports from Brazil, which increased 63%, from US$ 21.8 million in January, 2003, to US$ 35.7 million in January, 2004. Yemen, Bahrein, Kuwait, Libya, Mauritania, Qatar, and Syria also imported considerably more Brazilian goods.

Between February, 2003, and January, 2004, the Brazilian export performance to Arab countries was impressive. Saudi Arabia, for example, increased its purchases by 15.4%, from US$ 578.5 million to US$ 667.4 million. Algeria imported 72% more, going from US$ 88.3 million to US$ 152.3 million.

The United Arab Emirates, which imported US$ 551 million in goods from Brazil in 2003, are the second largest market in the region for Brazilian products. Traditional importers of Brazilian sugar and chicken, they also began importing soybean oil and beef.

Products with greater added value, such as buses, automobiles, tractors, and trailers, are part of the list of Brazil's exports to the United Arab Emirates. One may also observe greater diversification of this list, with new Brazilian items, such as furniture and footwear, conquering space on this market.

This information comes from the Arab Chamber of Commerce. (DAS)