The Secretary of State of the United States, Marco Rubio, stated this Saturday (25) that the country wants to become Brazil’s main trading partner instead of China, in a statement that reinforces the American strategy of expanding its economic influence in the country.
Rubio spoke to reporters aboard the American presidential plane as he traveled between Israel and Qatar on his way to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) meeting in Malaysia. At the meeting, US President Donald Trump is expected to meet with President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva to discuss trade, tariffs and other bilateral issues.
“We think that in the long run it is beneficial for Brazil to make us their partner of choice and trade instead of China,” Rubio said. The speech comes amid the global dispute between Washington and Beijing for economic and technological influence in emerging countries, especially in Latin America.
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Trump admits reducing tariffs on Brazil under conditions
On his way to Malaysia, Trump confirmed that he can reduce tariffs applied to Brazilian products — which reach 50% — as long as certain conditions are met. It is the first time that the American president has publicly admitted a concession in the so-called pricingimposed in July for political reasons.
“I believe we will get together, yes,” Trump said during the Air Force One flight. “Under the right circumstances, certainly,” he said when asked about the possibility of reviewing the tariffs. The audio of the conversation was released by the White House.
Hours later, Lula stated that he had not yet received any formal demands from the United States. “There is no demand from him (Trump) and there is no demand from me yet. Let’s put the problems on the table and try to find a solution. You can be sure that there will be a solution”, declared the Brazilian president, already in Kuala Lumpur.
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Meeting should take place this Sunday in Malaysia
The meeting between the two presidents is scheduled for this Sunday (26), in the afternoon, at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Center, in a conversation that should mark the beginning of a new phase in the trade dialogue between the two largest economies on the American continent.
The Brazilian government intends to discuss the repeal of the 40% to 50% tariff on exports and the end of punishments for Brazilian authorities, including ministers of the Federal Supreme Court and members of the Executive.
Lula said he was open to talking “without vetoes” and expressed optimism about the possibility of understanding, even if partial. “I hope it works. I came here willing so that we can find a solution”, he stated. “It all depends on the conversation. I work with optimism that we can find a solution.”
