SAO PAULO: Brazil had a trade surplus of $458 million in March as exports jumped. The country had posted deficits in the first two months of the year, the trade ministry said.
Exports rose in March to $17 billion, from $12.1 billion in February and imports rose to $16.5 billion in March from $ 15 billion in the previous month.
Brazil’s currency, the real, has weakened sharply against the dollar since the beginning of the year, making its exports cheaper and more competitive in world markets.
The small surplus in March left a deficit of $5.6 billion for the first quarter, and a deficit of $3.5 billion for the 12 months through March, the trade ministry said.
Last year, Brazil had its first annual trade deficit in more than a decade, of $3.9 billion.
