São Paulo – The Brazilian Chemical Industry Association (Abiquim) announced today (14th) that imports of products in the sector were equivalent to US$ 3 billion in March, a record high. According to the association, the value is 67% greater than recorded in March of 2009, and 44.5% higher than in February this year.
According to the Abiquim, the performance was strongly influenced by imports of vaccines against the H1N1 influenza (swine flu). The Brazilian government is currently promoting a nationwide vaccination campaign against the disease.
The association informed that imports of medication for human use totalled US$ 827.5 million in March, of which vaccines against the flu accounted for 44.5%.
Exports, on the other hand, totalled US$ 1.1 billion during the month, representing growth of 24.7% over February and of 35.1% compared with March of last year.
In the first quarter as a whole, also according to the Abiquim, Brazilian exports generated US$ 3 billion in revenues, 43% more than in the same period of 2009. The main products shipped were thermoplastic resins, basic petrochemicals, and additives for industrial use.
Imports totalled US$ 7.3 billion, representing growth of 37.5% using the same basis of comparison. In the first quarter of 2010, the main items purchased by Brazil from foreign countries were, in this order, medication for human use, inputs for fertilizer manufacturing, and thermoplastic resins.
*Translated by Gabriel Pomerancblum
