• GDP: US$795 billion (2005).
• Main exports: Transport equipment, metallurgical products, soya beans and oils, chemical products and coffee.
• Main imports: Machinery and electrical equipment, chemical products, oil and transport equipment.
• Main trade partners: USA, Argentina, Netherlands, Germany and China.

Despite widespread poverty, Brazil has the world’s 10th-largest economy. Agriculture remains the largest sector in terms of employment and Brazil is the world’s second-largest exporter of agricultural products, principally coffee, sugar and soya beans. There is also a substantial industrial sector, concentrated in machinery, electrical goods, construction materials, rubber and chemicals, and vehicle production.

The country also possesses large mineral reserves including iron ore - of which Brazil is the world’s largest exporter. Plans to develop Brazil’s potentially vast oil and gas resources will serve to reduce the country’s large current energy import bill but face opposition on environmental grounds.

After difficulties throughout the 1980s, as the economy adjusted to new liberal economic policies, Brazil recorded a fairly strong economic performance during most of the 1990s. Industrial efficiency and financial management were improved while the government bolstered its coffers through privatisation. However, little of this money was directed towards investment and Brazil has suffered the consequences of years of under-investment in infrastructure and public services.

The Lula government, which took office with a series of radical social programmes at the beginning of 2003, was soon forced to make budget cuts. The economy has recorded slow growth (around 2%) in recent years, but the country is showing signs of improvement. Inflation and unemployment are under control and relatively low, both at below 10%.

Business suits are worn when meeting senior officials and local heads of business, for semi-formal social functions and in exclusive restaurants and clubs. Exchange of business cards is usual.

Office hours: Mon-Fri 0900-1800.

Confederação Nacional do Comércio
Avenida General Justo 307, 8 Andar, 20021-130 Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Tel: (21) 2532 6015.
Website: www.portaldocomercio.org.br

Brazilian-American Chamber of Commerce (BACC) in the USA
509 Madison Avenue, Suite 304, New York, NY 10022, USA
Tel: (212) 751 4691.
Website: www.brazilcham.com  

American Chamber of Commerce for Brazil
Rua da Paz, 1431 CEP 04713-001 São Paulo, Brazil
Tel: (11) 3011 6000.
Website: www.amcham.com.br