São Paulo – Brazil’s balance of trade posted a US$ 939 million deficit in September, with exports on a decline and imports hitting an all-time high for the month. According to figures released this Wednesday (1st) by the Brazilian Ministry of Development, Industry and Foreign Trade, sales dropped across all three product categories: basic, semi-manufactured and manufactured goods. <\/p>\n
According to the Ministry, in the 22 business days last month, exports amounted to US$ 19.617 billion, resulting in a daily average 10.2% lower than in September 2013. Imports, in turn, fetched US$ 20.556 billion, up 4%.<\/p>\n
Last month, basic goods exports were down 15.1% from September 2013. Semi-manufactured goods exports were down 2.9% and manufactured goods exports were down 8%.<\/p>\n
Basic goods whose exports declined the most were bulk maize, iron ore, soy bran and crude oil. Semi-manufactured goods whose sales dropped include raw soy oil, copper cathodes and raw aluminium. Manufactured goods whose exports decreased the most were passenger cars, fuel oils, cargo vehicles and auto parts.<\/p>\n
Imports of fuels and lubricants were up 49.1% and consumer goods imports were down 4.2%. Raw and intermediate goods imports were down2.7% and capital goods imports were down 2.2%.<\/p>\n
Blocs <\/strong><\/p>\n Brazil’s imports from Middle East countries were up 102.8%, due to higher purchases of crude oil, kerosene, fuel oils, urea and insecticides. Imports from African countries were up 47.9%, due to crude oil, naphtha, fertilizers, urea, passenger cars, raw cotton and other hydrocarbons.<\/p>\n Exports from Brazil to Middle East countries were down 13.2%, and exports to Africa were down 1.4%.<\/p>\n Year-to-date, Brazil exported products worth a combined US$ 173.635 billion and imported US$ 174.325 billion. The year-to-date deficit is US$ 690 million.<\/p>\n *Translated by Gabriel Pomerancblum<\/strong><\/p>\n