All the domestic results were influenced directly by the increase in the trade chain (exports + imports), which reached U$ 123.824 billion for the period of January thru August 2005. The trade chain this year is expected to come close to 30% of the GDP.
Additionally, Brazil has entered the market with companies of an increasingly international stature. In 2004 alone, investments reached US$ 9.5 billion in South America, the United States and Europe. Examples of these companies are: Odebrecht, Votorantin, Gerdau, Ambev, Embraco, WEG, CVRD, Petrobrás, Marcopolo and Tigre.
* Between 1994 and 2004 Brazilian investments in the international market leapt from US$ 700 million to US$ 9.5 billion: an increase of 1.357%.

Brazilian Exports...

Brazil is heading for sustained growth, and this is a result of the fact that the market has strengthened and the country’s institutions have become more prepared. Economic and structural reforms have allowed the country to reposition itself internationally. The growth in exports, which doubled in two years, together with similar growth in imports, have increased Brazil’s exposure in the international market. And this process is occurring in parallel with an increase in the GDP, demonstrating that companies on the one hand are being exposed in their own market to strong international competition, and on the other, are answering with an aggressive share in the international markets. This is evidence that the Brazilian economy is more open and prepared for international trade than it has been in previous years.

Territory: 8,514,215.3 km2 (5th largest in the world);
Population: 182 million (5th largest in the world);
Gross Domestic Product (GDP): US$ 605 billion (2004, US$ 1.00 = R$ 2.92);
Income per capita: US$ 3,324 (2004)

Brazil alongside the United States and China are the only countries that present some of the important factors for sustained growth, such as:

• A territory larger than 5 million km2;

• A GDP in excess of US$ 600 billion;

• A population over 150 million inhabitants;

• 180 million consumers;

• An Economically Active Population of 90 million