Losing ground

"Brazilian exports to Syria have been presenting significant growth. Last year the equivalent to US$ 200.88 million were exported to the region, against US$ 166 million in 2005. From January to June this year, sales to the Arab country generated US$ 86.3 million, an increase of 126% over the same period last year. The main products shipped to Syria were sugar, coffee, vehicles, chicken, chassis and chemical paste for wood.

Last year, Brazilian imports of Syrian products totalled US$ 81.8 million. From January to July this year, Brazil purchased US$ 4.5 million from the Arab country, against US$ 40.2 million in the same period of 2006. Cumin seeds, aniseed, plastic fibres, pipes and handicraft are the main products imported."