MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Record Brazilian exports.

Brazilian exports during the first half of 2004 reached 43,3 billion US dollars, mainly because of improved international commodities prices, greater volumes and conquering new markets, reported the Brazilian Ministry of Development, Industry and Foreign Trade.

Between January and June sales overseas increased 29,1% and imports 23% compared to the first six months of 2003. Manufactured goods top the list with 23 billion US dollars and the surplus stands at 15 billion US dollars.

An optimistic Development, Industry and Foreign Trade Minister Luiz Fernando Furlan forecasted the Brazilian economy in 2004 would expand 4%, above the Central Bank estimate of 3,5%.

"We're going to grow 4%; you can bet on that, even when I know people don't believe it", said Mr. Furlan who added that the "numbers are far better than expected" and will respond for 50% of the economy's growth.

Mr. Furlan forecasted Brazil's exports in 2004 will reach 88 billion US dollars. The previous estimate was 83 billion and in 2003 exports totaled 73 billion US dollars.

However Finance Minister Antonio Palocci considered Mr. Furlan's remarks "optimistic", but emphasized he doesn't like "debating with optimists".

Compared to a year ago, Brazil's overseas sales to Middle East jumped 225%; Africa 96%; MercoSur 50%; Asia 42%; United States 34% and Europe 50%.