The United States executive order on Thursday (31) with commercial tariffs for several countries maintained the exceptions that were foreseen in Annex 2 of the executive act of April 2, benefiting not only Brazil but also other countries that managed to escape additional tariffs.
In participation in WW, Welber Barral, former Secretary of Foreign Trade in Brazil, said that several Brazilian sectors have been committed to entering the list of exceptions. However, information from Washington points to a worrying scenario, with increasing pressures to increase measures against Brazil.
Internal pressures in the USA
There are two groups exerting pressure against Brazilian interests: companies with specific interests and members of the Maga (Make America Great Again) group, which advocate more severe measures against Brazil. This last group seeks to establish a precedent, also considering similar situations, such as the judicial case in Colombia.
The current scenario demands a more present negotiation from Brazil, possibly including some concessions. The situation is aggravated by the possibility of applying magnitsky law against the country.
Judicial development
A recent hearing at the Colombian District Court has indicated a favorable inclination to US importers, especially with regard to the contestation of the use of the United States Economic Emergency Law.
The session was marked by clear signs that the court can position itself against additional tariffs, but there has been no final decision yet. Even if importers get victory at this instance, the case can still be taken to the US Supreme Court, with trial expected only to the second half of 2026. Until then, the tariffs will continue in force.
According to Welber Barral, despite the chance that Brazil include new products in the list of exceptions, the scenario is unstable. There is a real risk of expanding commercial barriers, with the possibility of even the country, which would further increase commercial tensions.
