Brazil posted a trade surplus of $20.1 billion in 2010, outgoing Trade and Industry Minister Miguel Jorge said.

The country's exports reached a record $201.9 billion for the year, he added, speaking at the inauguration ceremony for his successor, Fernando Pimentel.

The trade ministry is scheduled to release data for December and for 2010 later in the day.

The trade surplus for 2009 was $24.62 billion.

Brazil's trade surplus has been under strain as a strong real increased Brazilians' purchasing power abroad, at a time when the global economy is struggling with a euro-zone debt crisis.

The real firmed 4.6 percent in 2010, adding to a surge of about 34 percent in the previous year. (Reuters)