The figure is a record high and exceeded the reserves recorded in late 2008 by more than US$ 32 billion, according to the Brazilian Central Bank.
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The information was taken from a survey held by the Federation of Commerce of the State of São Paulo (Fecomercio). The index grew 1.3% from November to December and 22.2% compared with December 2008.
The vice president of the Brazilian Foreign Trade Association, José Augusto de Castro, said the trade surplus of almost US$ 25 billion was good, when recalling the international financial crisis.
The sum of exports and imports was US$ 280 billion, a result lower than the daily average recorded in 2008. The trade balance showed a US$ 25 billion surplus on the Brazilian side.
The difference between the Brazilian inflow and outflow of dollars totalled US$ 2.152 billion up to December 24th. The performance was boosted mainly by financial transactions.
Funds saved by the Government of Brazil for debt interest payment reached US$ 7.3 bn this month, against US$ 7.9 bn in October. This year, the country accumulates a nominal deficit of US$ 52 billion.
According to an FGV research, in December the confidence index reached its highest level since July 2008. In January 2009, it had dropped to the second lowest level in history.
Listed companies ended the year with an aggregate value of US$ 1.224 trillion, expansion of 130% over December 2008.
The volume of credit operations reached some US$ 805 billion in late November, an increase of 1.5% in comparison with October and 15% over the last 12 months.
The expectation is by the Brazilian Foreign Trade Association, which also forecasts an increase of 24% in imports and a reduction of 49% in the trade balance surplus.
The forecasted growth for the Brazilian GDP has been expanded from 5% to 5.08%. The percentage of industrial production rose from 7.11% to 8%. The estimates are in the Focus bulletin.
The greater Brazilian consumption in 2010 considers growth of 0.5% this year and 6% next year.
The 2nd Latin America Mid-East Investors Forum (LA-MEIF) will take place in the United Arab Emirates, in April, with participation of companies based in the Gulf, Egypt and Jordan.
Survey conducted among 3,100 expatriates elected the Arab country as the best place for foreigners to adapt to.
