São Paulo – Brazilian exports fetched US$ 4.869 billion last week and imports amounted to US$ 5.109 billion, resulting in a US$ 240 million trade deficit, as against a surplus of US$ 1.2 billion last week. The figures have been released this Monday (14th) by the Brazilian Ministry of Development, Industry and Foreign Trade.
Exports averaged at US$ 973.8 million per day, down 8% from the first week of July. According to the ministry, semi-manufactured goods exports declined, especially raw sugar, wood pulp, semi-manufactured iron and steel and leather.
Manufactured goods exports also declined, particularly engines and generators, refined sugar, aircraft and flat-rolled products. Basic goods exports remained flat. However, the ministry pointed out an increase in exports of crude oil, poultry and pork and tobacco leaves.
Imports averaged at US$ 1.021 billion last week, up 38.8% from the first week of July. The ministry has reported an increase in sales of fuels and lubricants, mechanical equipment, fertilizers, plastics and plastic products, optics and precision instruments, and pharmaceuticals.
Year-to-date, exports amounted to US$ 9.103 billion, averaging at US$ 1.011 billion a day, up 11.8% from July 2013. Imports stood at US$ 8.054 billion, or US$ 894.9 million per working day, down 9.4%. In July to date, Brazil’s trade surplus stands at US$ 1.049 billion.
*Translated by Gabriel Pomerancblum
