Mylena Fiori
Reporter - Agencia Brasil

Brasilia – Brazil and China began a closer diplomatic relationship in 1974 and, since then, have kept friendly and cooperative relationships. At that time, trade between the two countries reached approximately US$17 million, according to data from Chinese customs agency. In 1993, during the administration of Brazilian President Itamar Franco, the two countries established a strategic partnership, which brought them closer and fostered bilateral commerce. In the 90s, business between Brazil and China surpassed US$2 billion.

Trade exchange got a new impulse in 2000, jumping from US$2.3 billion that year to US$12.18 billion in 2005. Importation of Chinese products went from US$1.22 billion in 2000, to US$5.35 billion in 2005. Brazilian exports to that country increased even more – from US$1.08 billion to US$6.83 billion. China became the third major destination of Brazilian products, following the United States and Argentina. And Brazil went from a US$135.20 million deficit to a US$1.48 billion trade surplus with the Asian giant – a result the Chinese government wants to reverse.

Translation: Andrea Alves