Interim president says that measure facilitates competition with other countries and increases chances of exporting some products
The Minister of Development, Industry, Commerce and Services and interim president, (PSB), stated that the 15% global tariff imposed by the President of the United States, Donald Trump (Republican Party), benefits Brazil. For Alckmin, the measure increases the competitiveness of Brazilian products in the North American market.
The statements were made this Sunday (22.Feb.2026), in Aparecida (SP). The vice-president participated in the launch of the Fraternity Campaign at the National Sanctuary of Our Lady of Aparecida.
According to Alckmin, Trump’s decision corrects a distortion that harmed Brazil, as taxes on national products were 50%. “It was positive, because it established that the rate must be the same for everyone. Initially it was 10%, in the last executive order it went to 15%”he stated.
Tailored to international tariffs imposed by the United States was announced 1 day after the US Supreme Court ruled that on Friday (20.Feb).
For Alckmin, the new rate will help Brazil export more to the United States, conquer more markets and generate jobs and income in the country. He stated: “It’s fair, because the average entry tariff for American products in Brazil is 2.7%. And the United States has a deficit with the entire world, practically”.
The interim president on Friday (Feb 20). At the time, he said that “negotiations continue, dialogue continues”. He also declared that the measure “opened the avenue” for foreign trade.
PIX
Another issue commented by Alckmin was the continuity of investigations into Pix, even after the North American Supreme Court. The USTR (Office of the United States Trade Representative) released its position on the topic on Friday (Feb 20).
The investigation was opened based on Section 301 of the 1974 Commerce Law. The process questions Brazilian practices related to Pix and informal commerce on Avenida 25 de Março, in São Paulo.
The USTR said it intends to “proceed with ongoing Section 301 investigations, including those involving Brazil and China.” The agency indicated that the process can be used to justify the adoption of new tariffs.
“This is worrying. It’s called Section 301, but it will be clarified. Pix is an example for the world of having a measure that is highly beneficial to the population, at no cost, with guarantees, with security. Other issues addressed will be clarified. This has already happened in the past and Brazil clarified”declared the minister.
A meeting between the president (PT) and Trump is scheduled for March 2026. Tariffs are expected to be among the topics discussed.
