The first nine months of the year saw a growth of 8.5% over the same period in 2011   Exports by the furniture companies based in Bento Gonçalves increased by 8.5% between January and September 2012 compared to the same period last year. In September, it totaled US$ 5.3 million.   The Latin American countries stood out as the main destination for Brazilian products this year. Colombia leads the ranking with a growth of 9.7%. Uruguay and Chile are the next showing positive rates of 51.1% and 18.5%, respectively. Despite the losses in values compared to the first nine months in 2011, Peru (-1.9%) and Argentina (-34.5%) also stood out as major importers of furniture made in Serra Gaúcha. The consolidation of the African market was also a great achievement. Angola, with a growth of 7.6% over the same period in 2011, was an important destination that together with the Latin countries accounted for more than 60% of the total exports.