São Paulo – Brazilian exports amounted to US$ 21.227 billion in June, up 9.68% from June last year, according to figures released this Monday (1st) by the Brazilian Ministry of Development, Industry and Foreign Trade. It was the highest monthly increase from 2012 thus far in 2013.
Imports stood at US$ 18.833 billion, up 1.5% from June 2012. As a result, the Brazilian balance of trade posted a US$ 2.394 billion surplus in June 2013. It is also the highest monthly surplus of the year.
Still, the performance did not suffice to offset the trade deficit year-to-date in 2013. In the first half, exports amounted to US$ 114.516 billion, down 2.3% from the first half of 2012. Imports stood at US$ 117.516 billion, up 6.68%. As a result, the trade deficit is US$ 3 billion from January to June.
According to the Ministry, on average per working day, June saw an increase in exports of basic goods such as maize, copper ore, soybean, tobacco, soya bran, poultry and beef; and in exports of manufactured goods such as oil rigs, automobiles, hydrocarbons, ethanol, frozen orange juice, cargo vehicles, tractors, vehicle engines and parts, engines and electric generators.
Semi-manufactured goods exports declined for iron and steel semi-manufactured goods, raw soy oil, cast iron, crude aluminium and ferroalloys.
Imports of consumer goods increased, including beverages and tobacco, foodstuffs, automobiles, pharmaceuticals, toiletry products, decorative products, home appliances and furniture; capital goods imports also increased, including mobile transport equipment, industrial machinery, capital goods parts for industry, machinery and devices for offices, services, and scientific purposes, and industrial machinery accessories; and raw and intermediate goods such as foodstuffs, transport equipment accessories, intermediate goods parts, agricultural raw material, and chemicals and pharmaceuticals.
Imports of fuels and lubricants dropped. According to the ministry, this was due to a decline prices and import volumes for oil, natural gas, gasoline, fuel oils and naphtha.
Middle East
Year-to-date, exports to the Middle East increased the most. There was a 8.1% increase from the first half of 2012, driven by sales of livestock, cast iron pipes, maize bean, tobacco leaves, soluble coffee, soybeans, sugar, poultry and shoes.
*Translated by Gabriel Pomerancblum
