According to the Brazilian Association of the Textile and Apparel Industry, the country’s textile exports fell 1.5% to $155.7 million in April compared with the same month in 2006, with the trade balance showing a deficit of $91.1 million.

Imports reached $246.8 million, an increase of 62.9% compared with the prior-year period.

Accumulated import figures for January to April were up 44% to $944 million compared with the first four months of 2006, whilst exports fell 0.89% to $681 million.