UPDATE 1-Brazil posts March trade surplus of $3.32 bln http://www.reuters.com/article/economicNews/idUSN0241267820070402
Mon Apr 2, 2007
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SAO PAULO, April 2 (Reuters) - Brazil on Monday posted a trade surplus of $3.32 billion for March, compared with $2.88 billion in February and $3.63 billion in March of last year, the trade ministry said.
Exports reached $12.86 billion in March, while imports totaled $9.53 billion.
Brazilian companies have taken advantage of gains in the country's currency, the real (BRBY: Quote, Profile, Research), in recent months to step up purchases of everything from factory machinery to electronic components, pushing up import volumes.
Exports from Brazil have risen despite the stronger currency because of an increase in international prices of iron ore, soybeans and other commodities sold overseas.
Brazil, Latin America's largest economy, posted a record trade surplus of $46.08 billion in 2006.
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