Omar Nasser, from Fiep*
Curitiba – Exports from the southern Brazilian state of Paraná to the Arab countries increased 20% in the first eleven months of 2007 compared with the same period of last year. Foreign sales totalled US$ 572.6 million, whereas US$ 477 million were recorded between January and November 2006. So far this year, shipments to Middle Eastern and North African countries have answered to 5% of total exports from the state. The figures were supplied by the Brazilian Ministry of Development, Industry and Foreign Trade.
Bilateral trade (exports plus imports) between Paraná and the Arab countries had a positive performance as well. The growth was 44.1% in the first eleven months of 2007, compared with the same period of 2006. The foreign trade volume expanded from US$ 523.2 million to US$ 754 million. The reason for the growth was the increase in purchases by the State, which rose 293%, from US$ 46.2 million to US$ 181.4 million.
Total exports from Paraná – all destinations included – grew 25.3% from January to November this year, compared with the same period of last year. They reached US$ 11.381 billion. Imports, on the other hand, reached US$ 8.090 billion, an expansion of 47.27%. Thus, the trade surplus for the state stood at US$ 3.290 billion. In November alone, exports from Paraná grew 33.40% and imports, 32.35%.
According to the state secretary of Industry, Trade and Mercosur Affairs, Virgílio Moreira Filho, the main products exported by the State from January to November were grain – especially maize -, automobiles, soy oil, meats and sugar. With regard to imports, highlight products were vehicles, crude oil, parts for vehicle bodies and gearboxes.
*Federation of Industries of the State of Paraná. Translated by Gabriel Pomerancblum
