The value of the net inflow into Brazil of foreign direct investment last year was US$88.3 billion, the equivalent of 4.7 percent of gross domestic product, Reuters reports.

The news agency, citing data given by the Brazilian central bank, says the percentage was the highest since June 2001.

The report says the Brazilian current account deficit rose last year to US$14.51 billion, or 0.77 percent of GDP, from almost US$7.24 billion, or 0.35 percent of GDP, the year before.

The Brazilian annual trade surplus shrank by 15.8 percent to US$53.59 billion last year, imports having grown by 21 percent and exports having grown by 10 percent, Reuters say.