São Paulo – The Brazilian balance of trade showed a US$ 45 million surplus last week, as a result of US$ 3.851 billion in exports and US$ 3.806 billion in imports, according to figures released this Tuesday (22nd) by the Brazilian Ministry of Development, Industry and Foreign Trade. The surplus is down from US$ 522 million in the preceding week.
The third week of April comprised only four workdays as a result of the Good Friday holiday (18th), and therefore exports averaged at US$ 962.8 million per day, up 1.5% from the average for the first two weeks of the month. According to the Brazilian Ministry of Development, Industry and Foreign Trade, manufactured goods exports were up 7.3%, especially aircraft, aluminium oxides and hydroxides, auto parts, engines and electrical generators, and engines and parts for vehicles.
Basic goods exports were up 0.3%, driven by iron ore, soy bran, poultry, beef and coffee bean. Semi-manufactured goods exports were down 2.9%, driven by sales of raw sugar, semi-manufactured gold, leathers and hides.
Imports averaged at US$ 951.5 million per workday, up 0.9% from the average in the first two weeks of April. According to the Ministry, imports increased for fuels and lubricants, mechanical equipment, plastics and plastic products, and pharmaceuticals.
Month-to-date, the surplus is US$ 97 million, as a result of US$ 12.383 billion in exports and US$ 12.289 billion in imports. Based on daily average figures, exports from Brazil were up 1.6% as against April 2013. Imports were down 3.8%.
Year-to-date, the Brazilian trade balance is running a US$ 5.975 billion deficit, as a result of US$ 61.974 billion in exports and US$ 67.949 billion in imports. Both exports and imports are down from the same period last year, by respectively 3.3% and 3.6% based on daily average figures.
*Translated by Gabriel Pomerancblum
