Brazilian agribusiness exports exceeded US$50bn in the last 12 months, for the first time in history, according to the Brazilian agriculture ministry.

 

In the 12 months ending in January 2007, such exports totalled US$50.3bn, 14.4% more than in the same period one year earlier.

 

Industries that contributed the most were sugar and alcohol, forestry, coffee, juices, leather and cereals and flour.

 

Imports were 31% higher, at US$6.8bn. As a result, the trade surplus equalled US$43.5bn