Brazil's economic discipline
helping to boost exports
Brazil's President Luiz Inacio "Lula" da Silva is gaining approval at home and abroad for his adherence to a pragmatic economic program that includes boosting the country's exports.
Commodities-especially beef, chicken, soybeans, wood, copper, and iron ore are top export items, and China is the destination of choice.
At the same time, Brazilian consumers' desire for cars and mobile phones are pushing production of these two products to new highs.
In September, output in Brazil's auto industry surged by 45.6 percent year-on-year, while the production of electrical and communications equipment jumped by 24.7 percent.
Overall, manufacturing plants in Brazil are operating at their highest levels in 12 years, according to the National Industry Confederation.
Exports from Brazil to China grew by 80 percent last year, while total exports are expected to expand by 23 percent this year to a record $90 billion.
(From WorldTrade, Dezembro 21, 2004)
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