Brazil often evokes images of a tropical paradise, a
colorful and adventurous community made legendary in song and on film. The
annual Carnival in Rio de Janeiro, believe to surpass the American Mardi Gras
celebrations, explodes with light and dancing and merriment, while the beaches
remain crowded for most of the year as locals and visitors soak up the South
American sun. One might think a nation closely associated with leisure and a
party-like atmosphere relies on little more than tourism to keep the economy
strong, but in truth Brazil holds one of the largest economies in the world and
is viewed by many trade partners as an important ally.
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Brazil is part of the emerging BRIC group of nations (which
also includes Russia, India, and China) believed to serve the globe with
advanced distribution and manufacturing influence. The country presently
operates as a free market economy and, as the largest country land-wise on the
continent, holds the majority of South America's natural resources. The Amazon
Rainforest, the largest such tropical area in the world, gives Brazil
incredible biodiversity and contributes to Brazil's economic fortune.
Major exports, outside of what plants and remedies are produced
within the Rainforest, represent Brazil's economic diversity and excellence in
modern industry:
Aircraft - Brazil ranks third among the world's largest
aircraft manufacturers.
Automobiles - Brazil ranks fifth in the world in automobile
production, housing factories for nearly every top auto brand in business
today.
Ethanol - As the top exporter of ethanol fuel, Brazil
contributes to green supply chains through relationships with countries seeking
alternatives to gasoline.
Iron Ore - Brazil's mines yield, along with other top
producer Australia, nearly three-quarters of the world's iron ore supply.
Coffee - Close to three metric tons of coffee comes out of
Brazil annually, making this country the leader in production. This industry
alone keeps nearly four million people in the country employed.
China and United States rank among countries that import the
bulk of Brazilian products, and are also the top exporters into Brazil. The
most needed imports into the country include machinery for manufacturing
purposes, crude oil, various electronics and automotive parts.
An active workforce coupled with good roads and
technologically savvy population has brought Brazil to the forefront of the
overall South American economy. Include the impressive growth of the country
stock market, and one can definitely bank on Brazil as a force in global
economy over the next decade.