Brazil Posts Lowest Trade Surplus in 10 Years

BRASILIA, Brazil (AP) -- Brazil says its 2012 trade surplus is the lowest in 10 years.

The Trade Ministry said Wednesday that Brazil posted a surplus of $19.5 billion last year, compared with the $29.8 billion surplus registered in 2011.

Brazilian exports in 2012 totaled $242.6 billion, compared with $256 billion one year earlier.

At the same time, imports went from $226.2 billion to $223.1 billion.

In 2002, Brazil posted a trade surplus of $13.2 billion.