Buenos Aires - Total exports from Mercosur to Cuba reached US$154.2 million between January and August of this year, an increase of 168%, compared to the same períod 2003. Out of that total, Brazil exported 55.1% and Argentina exported 41%.

With regard to imports by Mercosur from Cuba, the total was US$32.5 million for the same period, up 273% over 2003. Brazil imports 98% of all Cuban imports to the Mercosur block.

As can be seen, Mercosur is running a surplus of US$121.7 million in its trade with Cuba this year.

The participation of the other Mercosur members, Paraguay and Uruguay, in trade with Cuba is practically null (3.9% of exports and 0.2% of imports).

Agência Brasil
Reporter: Marcio Resende
Translator: Allen Bennett
11/19/2004