
The Brazilian government sent a letter to the U.S. government on Tuesday, in which it reaffirms its request for dialogue regarding the tariffs imposed by the United States. Furthermore, it expresses "indignation" at the announcement of the surcharge of 50% on Brazilian products starting in August, reported the Ministry of Development, Industry, Commerce and Services (MDIC).
Subsequently, Vice President and Minister of the Ministry of Education, Geraldo Alckmin, together with Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira, signed the letter and sent it to US Secretary of Commerce, Howard Lutnick, and US Trade Representative, Jamieson Greer, according to a statement from the ministry released on Wednesday.
The document highlights, above all, the "very negative impact" of the tariffs on important sectors of both economies. Furthermore, it emphasizes that Brazil had already sent a letter to US authorities in May. Brazil sent this communication after the United States announced the tariffs on the country and other nations, the Ministry of Education and Culture (MDIC) added.
Brazil pressures US for dialogue and challenges 50% tariff on exports
"Brazil remains ready to engage in dialogue with US authorities. It is also willing to negotiate a mutually acceptable solution on the trade aspects of the bilateral agenda. The goal is to preserve and deepen the historic relationship between the two countries, in addition to mitigating the negative impacts of increased tariffs on our bilateral trade," the ministry said.
"The Brazilian government is still awaiting the US response to its proposal," the ministry said. The new letter, sent this week, reiterates Brazil's interest in receiving comments on the matter. The request was addressed to President Donald Trump's administration.
While seeking contact with US authorities, the Brazilian government has set up an interministerial committee, chaired by Alckmin, to listen to sectors impacted by the tariff and evaluate possible responses to the measure.
After a round of talks on Tuesday with industry and agribusiness representatives, the vice president continued the negotiations on Wednesday. He met with Brazilian entities and also participated in meetings with representatives of North American companies.
Source: Bernardo Caram and Pedro Fonseca | Notícias Agrícolas