Brazil’s government is evaluating all possible reactions to U.S. steel and aluminum tariffs, including actions at the WTO, aiming to protect its national interests. The U.S. tariffs may impact $3.2 billion in Brazilian exports, prompting criticism from Brazil regarding the unjustified nature of the U.S. decision. President Lula has urged calm and dialogue with U.S. officials to navigate these challenges.
On Wednesday, the Brazilian government announced its commitment to consider various measures in response to the United States’ increased tariffs on steel and aluminum imports. These assessments may include actions at the World Trade Organization to mitigate the adverse effects of the U.S. tariffs and safeguard Brazil’s national interests.
The U.S. tariffs, implemented by President Donald Trump, mark a strategic effort to reshape global trade to benefit the United States. The Brazilian Foreign Ministry and the Ministry of Development, Industry, and Foreign Trade indicated that these tariffs could have a profound impact on Brazil’s steel and aluminum exports, which were valued at approximately $3.2 billion in 2024.
Brazil’s government criticized the U.S. tariff increases as “unjustified and mistaken,” especially in light of the historical cooperation and economic ties between the two countries. With Brazil being the third-largest foreign supplier of U.S. steelmaking coal and the top exporter of semi-finished steel to the U.S., such tariffs pose significant challenges.
In 2024, the trade surplus that the U.S. enjoyed with Brazil was estimated to be around $7 billion in goods. Following these developments, President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva instructed his economic team to initiate discussions with the Trump administration. Finance Minister Fernando Haddad emphasized Lula’s call for calm, reminding that Brazil has negotiated successfully in even more challenging circumstances in the past.
In summary, Brazil’s government is actively exploring measures in response to the U.S. tariffs on steel and aluminum imports. The potential repercussions of these tariffs, worth $3.2 billion in exports, have led Brazil to consider possible actions at the World Trade Organization. Criticism has been directed at the U.S. government’s decision as lacking justification. President Lula has directed his team to pursue dialogue with U.S. authorities to address these trade issues collaboratively.
Original Source: news.cgtn.com
