Perception is what extent shows that Brazil is not among the main targets of the American government
Paulo Ricardo Martins and Nicola Pamplona
Sao Paulo, SP and Rio de Janeiro, RJ (Folhapress)-Despite impacting some industry sectors and exports, experts heard by the report said that the 10% rate on Brazilian imported Brazilian products, announced by President Donald Trump on Wednesday (2), is a relief. The perception is that the measure shows that Brazil is not among the main targets of the US government.
Trump announced late on Wednesday afternoon a list of countries included in a tariff imposed by his government.
The 10%surcharge for Brazil was lower than for some other US business partners, such as China (34%rate), European Union (20%) and Japan (24%).
Fernanda Brandão, Professor of International Relations at Mackenzie Rio Presbyterian University, says that the adoption of a milder surcharge, 10%, shows that Brazil is not being perceived as a significant threat to the US economy.
According to Brandão, the scenario can boost the access of Brazilian sectors – primarily that of most basic manufactures, such as the textile industry – former American markets that were previously snapped by other developing countries.
“The preference adjustment for the national product [americano] It is not automatic, other than US production of some goods is not sufficient to meet domestic demand. Then [os EUA] will continue to buy from abroad. Several Asian countries to which higher rates have been applied are textile producers, for example, ”he says.
“Of course there will be an impact on Brazilian sectors that export, such as aircraft and steelmakers, but it does not seem to me to be directly as immediate and impactful as it will be for other countries, such as China,” says Pedro Brites, professor of international relations at FGV-S.
Economist André Perfect says that “for Brazil the fares came out cheap.”
“What makes sense, after all, as I have spoken for some time, we have deficits against the US [na balança comercial]Soon we wouldn’t be a target right now, ”he says.
The mildest fare is no reason to celebrate or lamentation, according to the president of AEB (Foreign Trade Association of Brazil), José Augusto de Castro. He states, however, that the level fixed to the fare means a relief for Brazil.
“It can make some export difficult, but little. If we are able to manage our production cost, we will have the opportunity to export something more to the US, not just commodity, but also manufactured,” he says.
FIEMG (Federation of Industries of the State of Minas Gerais) said that the tariff imposed by Trump is not a positive measure for Brazil, but “needs to be analyzed in more depth.”
“The impact will depend on how our direct competitors have been charged. If they face even higher rates, there may be a competitive advantage for Brazil, as the additional cost will be passed on to the American consumer,” says Flávio Roscoe, president of Fiemg, in a statement.
For the footwear sector, it is necessary to evaluate the tax announced by the US President to other large footwear producing countries, especially China, Vietnam and Indonesia.
“These countries are expected to lose competitiveness in the US market, which may be the opportunity to increase Brazilian exports,” says the president of Abicalçados (Brazilian Association of Footwear Industries), Haroldo Ferreira.
“On the other hand, China Vietnam and Indonesia will not stop producing. They will take these shoes and will sell to other markets that Brazil exports. And they can play market in Brazil itself.”
Steel semi -molded products, such as blocks and signs, are among the main items exported by Brazil to the US, along with gross oil, iron semi -chief products and aircraft. According to US government data, Brazil is among the three largest steel suppliers to the country (alongside Mexico and Canada), with US $ 2.66 billion sold last year.
Trump recently announced rates on imported cars, as it can impact the national auto parts sector. By 2024, Brazil exported about $ 1.3 billion in components of the type for the United States.
Trump had already imposed 20% tariffs on all imports in China and 25% over -steel and aluminum overfins from all countries.
The Republican postponed the 25% rate on most products from Canada and Mexico to press them to reinforce the fight against drug trafficking and illegal immigration, although this should expire on Wednesday.
