Brazilian iron ore exports fall in January
Brazil's Foreign Trade Ministry announced that exports amounted to $7.4 billion in January, despite a drop in iron ore exports. January exports were 28% higher than the $5.8 billion recorded in the same period of 2004. Shipments of semi-finished steel and iron products rose 84% year-on-year to $263 million in January. Exports of laminated steel plates reached $194 million last month, up 29% from $150 million in January 2004. Iron ore shipments, which recorded the biggest tumble, declined to $355 million in January. Iron ore shipments were $440 million in the same period last year.