The positive result last month was the first after 18 months running of deficits. In April 2008, there was a deficit of US$ 3.044 billion and in the accumulated result for the year, US$ 13.304 billion.
The trade balance (exports minus imports) resulted in a surplus of US$ 3.712 billion in April and US$ 6.722 billion from January to April this year, against US$ 4.498 billion in the same period in 2008. In April last year, the trade balance surplus was US$ 5.097 billion.
The service and income result (interest, profit, dividends and international travels) resulted in a deficit of US$ 3.832 billion in April and US$ 12.702 billion in the accumulated result for the year. In the same period last year, the deficit had been US$ 5.097 billion and US$ 19.105 billion, respectively.
Unilateral transactions had a positive result of US$ 265 million in April and US$ 1.106 billion year to date.
Foreign Direct Investment
Foreign direct investment in Brazil reached US$ 3.409 billion in April this year, according to figures disclosed by the Central Bank. In April 2008, this value was greater, US$ 3.872 billion.
From January to April this year, the foreign direct investment reached US$ 8.751 billion, against US$ 12.671 registered in the same period in 2008.
ABr