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Brazil's trade balance had its second best monthly performance in 2006 in December, which saw a US$ 5.012 billion balance, second only to July's US$ 5.628 billion balance.
The accumulated surplus for the year rose to US$ 46.077 billion, a 3.05% increase compared with the trade balance for 2005, which amounted to US$ 44.709 billion. According to data published today by the Brazilian Ministry of Development, Industry and Foreign Trade, exports in 2006 hit a record high, reaching US$ 137.471 billion, which represents a 16.2% increase compared with 2005. Imports in 2006 were also the highest ever recorded, totaling US$ 91.394 billion, which accounts for a 24.2% increase - higher than that of exports. Cooperatives The cooperative system in the southern Brazilian state of Paraná ended the year of 2006 with revenues of US$ 7.7 billion. The value is the same as that reached in the previous year. The result was considered favorable as the sector faced a series of diversities in 2006, among them climate problems that affected crops and the exchange rates unfavorable for exports. The figure was disclosed by the Sistema Ocepar, which congregates cooperatives from the state of Paraná. There are in the state 235 cooperatives that bring together 410,000 cooperatives, with an economic turnover that represents 16.5% of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of the state of Paraná. Cooperatives generate over 783,000 jobs in the state. Volkswagen Volkswagen Trucks and Buses of Brazil broke a new sales record in 2006. The company sold over 37,000 units on the domestic and foreign market, representing an increase of 4% when compared to 2005. The vehicle maker was the market leader in the wholesale market for trucks over five tons gross weight, selling 22,403 units - 573 more than Mercedes-Benz, the main competitor, . Sales of buses totaled 4,925, growth of 40% when compared to the previous year. Exports grew 10% when compared to 2005, breaking a record for the 60 consecutive year, reaching 10,000 units shipped. Over 30 countries purchased products made by the brand. Argentina answers to 30% of the orders, followed by Chile and Mexico. Gross revenues should be the greatest in the 25 years of the vehicle maker, reaching US$ 1.9 billion. Loans The Bank of Brazil loaned US$ 301 million through its program for the strengthening of fruit farming between January and November last year. In total, 34,000 operations took place. The value represents 105% of the target stipulated for 2006. Up to 2010, the bank's target is to make available US$ 1.8 billion for the sector.
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