In 2010, Vale was the largest Brazilian exporter, with sales on foreign markets of US$24 billion, 122.07% up on the previous year. According to figures from the Ministry of Development, Industry and Foreign Trade, Vale’s exports were 32% higher than those of the second-ranking company, Petrobrás.
As a result of this growth, Vale accounted for 11.91% of total Brazilian exports last year and its exports even exceeded the country’s trade surplus of US$20.278 billion. It is expected that Vale will retain the number one ranking in 2011.