São Paulo – Saudi Arabia was the target of 6.7% of Brazilian exports of semi-manufactured aluminium products, according to information supplied by the Brazilian Aluminium Association (Abal). The Arab country was the fourth leading importer in the segment in the first half this year, after the United States, Argentina and Venezuela.
According to the Abal, aluminium industry exports totalled US$ 1.8 billion from January to June. They accounted for 2% of Brazilian foreign sales and grew 18.9% over the first half of 2009. The Abal’s forecasts indicate that this year the industry will post US$ 4.05 billion in export revenues.
In the first half, Brazilian imports of aluminium products have already increased. Purchases grew 47.8%, a much higher rate than that of exports, but the value was much lower, US$ 464 million. This year, imports should total US$ 932 million, according to the Abal’s projections.
According to the Abal, consumption of processed aluminium products also increased in the domestic market, having risen from 463,100 tonnes in the first half of 2009 to 626,700 tonnes in the same period of 2010. There was growth of 35.3%. Purchases of the following products increased: foils, by 28.5%, extruded items, by 45%, molten products, by 43.9%, and sheets, by 32.4%.
*Translated by Gabriel Pomerancblum
