Brasília, 5/12/2004 (Agência Brasil) - Agrobusiness sector exports rose 16% in April, compared to the same period last year. The sector trade surplus reached US$2.4 billion for the month, an increase of 20% over April 2003.

From January to April this year, the sector exported a total of goods worth US$10.6 billion, an increase of 20% over the same period last year. The surplus for the period was US$9.1 billion, up 37.2%. During the period, 41% of all Brazilian exports were in the agrobusiness sector.

A number of farm product exports were up significantly: soybeans (35%), meats (47.6%), lumber (36%), sugar and sugar-based alcohol (61%). But the star was cereals (raw, prepared or in flakes) up over 556%.

The main importers of Brazilian farm produce are located in eastern Europe, Africa and the Mideast.

Translator: Allen Bennett