Senator reported meetings with US authorities after proposed 25% tariff on Brazilian goods due to trade differences
Senator Flávio Bolsonaro (PL-RJ) stated that he directly asked the President of the United States, Donald Trump, to do not apply taxes on Brazilian companies. The request, according to the parliamentarian, was made in meetings that included the presence of the vice presidentJD Vance, e do secretary of stateMarco Rubio. Flávio’s statements were given to radio station Itatiaia, in Minas Gerais.
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According to Flávio, the arguments used in the meetings focused on appreciation of technology e of national production. The senator highlighted sectors such as agribusinesso PIX payment system and the ethanol as strategic assets.
“It is a request that I made expressly to them, because I said the following: from 2027, you will have a government that will sit here with you and will negotiate on an equal basis”, he declared.
The senator’s speech comes on the same day that the conclusion of an investigation by the United States Trade Representative (USTR) was announced. The body classified Brazilian government policies as “irrazoáveis” e suggested a 25% tax because it considered that Brazilian practices restrict North American trade. The report is based on Section 301 of the Commerce Act of 1974 and points out problems in six areasincluding the ethanol market e electronic payment services.
In the digital sphere, the US investigation cited Brazilian court orders to suspension of profiles on social networks e content removalin addition to restrictions on payment systems.
Regarding ethanol, the document states that Brazil has not offered tariff reciprocity since 2017. Other points mentioned include the ineffective enforcement of laws against deforestation e failures in the protection of intellectual property.
Criticisms of Lula
Flávio Bolsonaro criticized the diplomatic conduct of the Lula (PT) government, stating that the president generated distrust in American authorities. According to the senator, the Brazilian Executive’s stance in relation to public security and statements about US foreign policy make trade negotiations difficult.
“Sitting today in the chair of President of the Republic, you have someone who simply managed to gain the distrust of the American government. They don’t trust Lula, because Lula leaves there asking first not to fight criminal factions”, said Flávio Bolsonaro.
“‘The guys’ already think what, ‘wow’: ‘Which president is this? We are here offering help, cooperation, and the president of Brazil leaves here asking (1:12) the opposite, to defend criminals, to defend terrorists'”, he added.
On the other hand, American Ambassador Jamieson Greer stated that the USTR investigation was started at Trump’s request to address persistent business concerns. Although there have been meetings between Trump and Lula in recent months, the ambassador highlighted that substantial differences remain between the two countries.
The measures proposed by the United States are in the public consultation phase until July 1st. A hearing on the matter will be held on July 6th, with the deadline for deciding on tariffs set at July 15th.
