Donald Trump government document once again points out Pix as harmful to global credit card companies, such as Visa and Mastercard
President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva (PT) stated this Thursday (2) that “no one” will make the Brazilian government back down in relation to Pix.
The statement comes after the release of a report, published on Wednesday (1st), which once again points out Pix as a system harmful to global credit card companiessuch as Visa and Mastercard.
According to Lula, the North American document alleges that the Brazilian system distorts international trade. “Pix is from Brazil, and no one is going to make us change Pix because of the service it is providing to Brazilian society”, defended the president.
The document also highlights concerns from US companies with the actions of the Central Bank of Brazil, responsible for creating and regulating the system. According to the report, there is fear that the BC will grant preferential treatment to Pix, which could harm American suppliers of electronic payment services.
Last year, the United States indirectly criticized the Brazilian payment system by opening an investigation into commercial practices considered “unfair” in the country. Among the points raised were electronic payment services operated by the government, in reference to Pix.
The investigation began on July 15 and was conducted by the office of US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, based on the so-called “Section 301 Investigation into Unfair Trade Practices in Brazil”. Although the document does not directly cite Pix, mentions public electronic payment systems as a target of concern.
“Brazil also appears to engage in a number of unfair practices with respect to electronic payment services, including, among others, taking advantage of its government-developed electronic payment services,” the Office of the US Trade Representative said at the time.
Alckmin speaks
The vice-president and minister of Development, Industry, Commerce and Services (MDIC), Geraldo Alckmin (PSB), also defended Pixafter the annual report from the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) highlighted the instant payments system, proposals for regulating digital platforms and the called “blouse tax” among the main barriers imposed by Brazil on American commercial interests.
“Pix is a success. There is no problem in relation to Pix. Just clarify”, he said in a conversation with journalists this Thursday (2) when saying goodbye to the department. Alckmin does not need to leave the vice-presidency, but he needs to leave the ministry to run for office in this year’s election.
O USTR also criticizes the bill that expands the powers of the Administrative Council for Economic Defense (Cade) about digital markets. Regarding this, Alckmin said that “the only regulation” made by Brazil regarding big techs was the ECA Digital, aimed at protecting childhood, according to him.
Alckmin once again said that Brazil is not a problem for the USA, since they have a surplus in the balance of goods and services with the country. And he said that the idea is to increase complementarity and exchange of investments. “Our work is to increase this dialogue, this partnership, this cooperation.”
Regarding the date for a meeting with American President Donald Trump, the vice president said there was no schedule, stating only that President Lula “always moves towards dialogue”. “President Lula’s conversations with President Trump were very positive. I think we can advance further in this dialogue.”
Alckmin also took stock of his management at MDIC, highlighting projects such as Carro Sustentável and Move Brasil (focused on trucks), in addition to the Nova Indústria Brasil (NIB) policy and trade defense measures.
*With information from Estadão Conteúdo
