Brazil does record trade in 2011

Brazil's government says the nation had a record level of exports, imports and surplus in 2011.

The Trade Ministry says on its website that exports hit US$256 billion in 2011. That easily beats the record of US$202 billion set in 2010.

Brazil had imports of US$226 billion, giving the nation an annual trade surplus of US$30 billion.

High commodity prices and strong demand from China are the reasons for Brazil's record figures, despite a financial crisis that's hurting Europe and the United States.

Trade Ministry official Alessandro Teixeira forecasts Brazil will set trade records again this year on the back of Chinese demand.

Brazil is an agricultural superpower and a top exporter of soy, beef, coffee, sugar and other commodities.