Brasília - Brazilian dairy exports set a new record in July with 7,500 tons worth US$12.2 million. In July 2003, 5,100 tons worth US$5.4 million were exported.

For the year, up to July, dairy exports have been worth US$41.8 million, compared to US$48.5 million for the whole year of 2003.

Rodrigo Alvim, president of the national dairy commission (CNPL) (Comissão Nacional da Pecuária de Leite) which is housed in the agriculture confederation (CNA) (Confederação da Agricultura e Pecuária do Brasil), says the numbers show that the sector is on track to a trade surplus this year.

Historically Brazil is a dairy importer. In 2003 the trade deficit was US$63.8 million. It has been worse; in 1998 the deficit was over US$503 million.

One of the sector highlights this year was the sale, in July, of US$7.6 million worth of powdered and condensed milk to Iraq as part of UN humanitarian aid purchases.

Agência Brasil
Translator: Allen Bennett
08/12/2004