For questions 21 through 23, choose the best answer in accordance with Text 1.

Text 1 Brazil's exports

Trade barriers imposed by Argentina on imports in general have resulted in a drop of 16% in Brazil's exports to its neighbor in the first half of this year. Between January and June last year, Brazil sold goods worth US$ 10.43 billion to Argentina. This year, during the same period, the value of goods sold to Argentina is US$ 1.6 billion less.

In spite of the trade barriers, the executive secretary at the Ministry of Development, Industry and Foreign Trade, Alessandro Teixeira, blames the international crisis for the situation. "The cause of these problems is the international crisis. It affects Argentina and it affects us, too," he declared. Teixeira noted that negotiations have improved the relationship with Argentina, that there has been a more positive dialogue.

Brazil's exports to Eastern Europe are down 38% and down 8% to the European Union in the first half. On the other hand, they have risen by over US$ 2 billion to China during the same period.

From: Brazzil Magazine July 2012 [adapted]