The world 's seventh wealthiest economy (2011 GDP US$2.2 trillion), Brazil is the largest country in area and population in Latin America and the Caribbean.
Brazil was one of the last to fall into recession in 2008 and among the first to resume growth in 2009. Brazil 's GDP grew 7.5% in 2010 and 2.7% in 2011, because of the new global slowdown.
The Growth Acceleration Plan (PAC, its acronym in Portuguese) was launched in 2007 to increase investment in infrastructure and provide tax incentives for faster and more robust economic growth. The program contributed to the country’s 7.5% growth in 2010 and its crisis resilience in 2009, when it had one of the smallest downturns among developed and emerging economies, and in 2011.
Brazil faces important development challenges in combining the benefits of agricultural growth, environmental protection and the sustainable development.
Brazil recorded a trade deficit of 186 USD Million in November of 2012. Balance of Trade in Brazil is reported by the Ministério do Desenvolvimento, Indústria e Comércio Exterior. Historically, from 1959 until 2012, Brazil Balance of Trade averaged 668.98 USD Million reaching an all time high of 5659.37 USD Million in July of 2006 and a record low of -1845.28 USD Million in December of 1996. Brazil has an export-oriented economy. The main exports are transport equipment, iron ore, industrial raw materials, soybeans, footwear, coffee, autos, automotive parts, machinery. Brazil imports machinery, electrical and transport equipment, chemical products, automotive part and electronics. The primary trading partners of Brazil are The United States, European Union and Argentina.
Eu-Brazil Trade Overview
Brazil holds 43% of the entire EU Investment stocks in Latin America.
The EU is Brazil 's first trading partner, accounting for 21.7% of its total trade (2010). During the last 5 years bilateral trade between the EU and Brazil has grown on average by 8.4% per