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Mercosur (Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay) exports reached US$ 135,6 billion in 2004, a record figure since its creation in 1991. The information comes from Mercosur Secretariat director, Brazilian Reginaldo Braga Arcuri.
Arcuri's information is based on data from the Centro de Estudios Bonaerense (CEB), a Buenos Aires economic analysis institution.
This number was 27% higher than that of 2003, when exports reached US$ 106 billion. Brazil was responsible for US$ 96,47 billion in 2004, which represents 71% of the total.
Trade among Mercosur countries resumed historical levels, attaining US$ 17 billion.
"This demonstrates that, from whatever angle one analyzes the Mercosur's evolution, first the institutional angle, then a more strictly political view, and finally the economic aspect, the Mercosur is solid, has advanced, and is taking advantage of this moment of macroeconomic stabilization and of advances in the contacts among private actors," observes Arcuri.
For him, export increase is related to several aspects: All four countries, beginning in 2002, adopted a floating exchange rate, devalued their currencies to "more realistic" levels, and sought fiscal equilibrium by adopting "an important strict budget control."
Furthermore, Arcuri mentions the national programs to support exportation, joint commercial promotions, and conquest of new markets for the group's products.
"There was a growth in purchases by some of the powerhouses of the global economy, as well as by traditional buyers such as the United States and the European Union. Japan also experienced a slight recovery, and above all else, China is currently an avid consumer of goods that our countries produce."
Translation: Andrea Alves
Agência Brasil
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