Brazilians spend less abroad as dollar rises
Hit by the recent hikes in the US currency, Brazilians' spending on international travel nearly halved (46.99%) in September this year compared to the same month last year.
According to the Central Bank (BC), expenses totaled $1.260 billion last year—the lowest figure for the month since 2010.
From January to September, expenditures amounted to $14.139 billion, down 27.78% from the same period in 2014 ($19.579 billion).
Revenue from foreign tourists in Brazil held steady in September this year ($486 million) compared to the same month in 2014. From January to September, they spent $4.333 billion in the country, down 18.99% against the same period last year ($5.349 billion).
Figures thus brought the country's international travel balance to a negative $774 million in September, and $9.806 billion in the first nine months of the year.
International travel is accounted for under services, which also comprises revenues and spending in transport, insurance, financial services and equipment lease. According Fernando Rosa, deputy chief at the Central Bank Economic Department, services is among the items in Brazil's external accounts with the poorest performances this year.
The negative balance was driven by the rise in the dollar, which lowers the value of the country's goods and service offers and makes purchases from abroad costlier. Rocha went on to say that Brazil's transactions with other countries are further aggravated by weak economic activity.
In September, the negative balance in current account transactions—goods and services traded between a nation and the world—was reported at $3.076 billion and at $49.362 billion year-to-date.
Translated by Fabrício Ferreira
Fonte: Brazilians spend less abroad as dollar rises