Mining sector had US$ 23.4 billion trade surplus in 2018

The mining sector had a trade surplus balance last year, with exports exceeding imports by US$ 23.4 billion in the year according to data released Wednesday by the Ministry of Mines and Energy.

According to the numbers collected by the government, the surplus is the result of international sales in the order of US$ 49.8 billion and imports of US$ 26.4 billion in 2018. In total, the sector accounted for 20% of all products exported by Brazil

On the export side, iron ore was the product that had the most shipments abroad, accounting for 80% of generated revenue. On the imports side, potassium was the most expensive product, both in volumes purchased by Brazil and in the input’s international value.