Planalto sees a 25% tariff as pressure for an agreement; ministers say payment system is non-negotiable
The PT government reacted this Tuesday (June 2, 2026) to the preliminary conclusion of the United States trade investigation against Brazil. After an emergency meeting at Palácio do Planalto, ministers stated that Pix is out of any negotiations with Washington and classified the allegations presented by the North American government as unjustified.
The internal assessment is that the deal on Brazilian products is part of the United States’ strategy to increase its bargaining power before the end of bilateral negotiations, scheduled for July 15th.
The government also resists discussing changes to domestic rules related to digital platforms, environmental policies and topics linked to the actions of Brazilian institutions.
The investigation was opened by the United States in July 2025 based on Section 301 to investigate alleged Brazilian practices considered harmful to North American interests. In addition to tariff issues, the process involves topics such as Pix, digital commerce, intellectual property, ethanol, combating corruption and deforestation. The Brazilian government disputes all allegations.
Planalto maintains that the investigation was driven by the Bolsonaro family’s collaboration with President Donald Trump’s allies in the United States and assesses that the process has a political and electoral component.
The following participated in the meeting this Tuesday (June 2, 2026):
- the vice president, (PSB);
- the acting Minister of Development, Industry, Commerce and Services, Márcio Elias Rosa;
- the Minister of Finance, Dario Durigan;
- the minister of the Social Communication Secretariat, Sidônio Palmeira;
- the Minister of the Institutional Relations Secretariat, José Guimarães;
- the Minister of Planning and Budget, Bruno Moretti;
- and the Secretary of Climate, Energy and Environment at Itamaraty, Maurício Lyrio.
After the meeting, the government announced that it expressed “outrage” with the investigation conducted by the USTR (Office of the United States Trade Representative). The text states that the process was opened in 2025 following provocations from the Bolsonaro family and classifies its members as “false patriots” for acting, according to the government, against Brazilian interests.
At a press conference, Alckmin refuted the main points raised by the Americans. Said that Pix is a “national heritage” and that it does not discriminate against foreign companies. He also stated that Mercosur’s trade agreements with India and Mexico do not restrict the entry of United States products into the Brazilian market.
The vice president also declared that Brazil has more than 30 instruments to combat corruption, that North American companies are among the main beneficiaries of the Brazilian patent system and that the country recorded the biggest drop in deforestation in the last 7 years.
Alckmin also argued that the trade balance favors the United States. According to him, the North American surplus in goods and services in relations with Brazil exceeds US$400 billion in the last 15 years.
“The way is dialogue”stated Alckmin. According to the vice president, the US trade representative, Jamieson Greer, and Chancellor Mauro Vieira may meet in Paris in the coming days to continue negotiations.
The government intends to mobilize Brazilian and North American companies to press for a negotiated solution. Alckmin stated that there will be a public consultation until July 1st and a public hearing on July 6th.
“Bolsonaro Family against Pix”
Márcio Elias Rosa stated that the sectors potentially most affected by possible tariffs are plastics, footwear, cast iron, fish and crustaceans. Despite this, he stated that he does not believe that the USTR recommendation will be converted into effective tariffs.
Government members say that issues considered strategic will not be placed on the negotiation table. The main one is Pix.
Dario Durigan said that the instant payments system is “the greatest symbol of Brazilian financial technology” and classified the inclusion of the topic in the investigation as an attempt to attack a free tool that is widely used by the population.
“The Bolsonaro family launches an offensive against Pix”he declared.
According to Durigan, the justifications presented by the United States are based on “outdated” premises and have already been responded to by the Brazilian government in successive technical meetings.
The government is also following with concern the possible developments of the classification of the PCC and the Red Command as terrorist organizations by the United States. Team members assess that measures related to combating financial flows from these organizations can be used to increase pressure on the Brazilian financial system.
Despite the harsh tone adopted in the official response, Planalto states that it will continue to focus on negotiations. The government’s expectation is that the USTR’s recommendation will not result in the application of tariffs and that an agreement will be reached before July 15.
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