Brazil is the 10th largest economy in the world and the leading economic power in South America. In addition, Brazil is one of the top 20 trading partners of the U.S. Brazil continues to benefit from steady economic growth, and the market for U.S. products continues to gain more appeal. The U.S. market share increased from 6.6% in 2000 to 9.1% in 2004. In 2004, the total value of processed foods exported by the southern region of the U.S. equaled $18,942,854.