Rio, May 6, 2004 (Agência Brasil) - Sales of products over the internet accounted for only 0.21% of commercial sales in Brazil in 2002. Receipts amounted to US$ 176 million (R$ 530 million). According to the Annual Commercial Survey released by the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE), internet sales in 2002 represented up to 25% of revenues in 445 firms and 26-50% in 340 firms.

15 companies obtained 51-75% of their revenues from electronic commerce in 2002. Only six were able to earn 76-100% of their revenues through the sale of products over the internet.

The products sold in greatest volume via internet include books, newspapers, magazines, furniture, pharmaceutical products, construction materials, machinery, domestic and personal appliances, office equipment and materials, CD's, musical instruments, jewelry, costume jewelry, toys, cleaning and hygiene products, optical instruments, and artworks. Together, these products generated US$ 102.7 million (R$ 308.2 million), 58.2% of total internet sales.

Translator: David Silberstein