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Brazil's government is preparing for the possibility that the United States will confirm new tariffs on Brazilian products on July 15, despite an intensive diplomatic campaign by President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva's administration to avert the move. Officials at the Planalto Palace believe Washington is unlikely to reverse course, citing what they describe as a "maximalist" approach to trade negotiations, according to a report by Brazil 247.
The outlet, citing government sources, reported that Brazil has pursued multiple diplomatic channels in recent weeks, including four meetings with representatives of the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) and several technical-level discussions. The Lula administration also submitted a roadmap for negotiations outlining proposals aimed at resolving bilateral trade concerns, as per the report. Despite these efforts, Brazilian officials say the US has shown little indication that it intends to modify its position. While acknowledging that the United States enjoys a trade surplus with Brazil, Washington continues to allege the existence of practices it considers harmful to fair trade. As per Brazil 247, President Lula has directed his government to continue pursuing dialogue before considering any retaliatory measures. Although no formal meetings are scheduled ahead of the expected tariff announcement, officials have not ruled out further technical or high-level contacts, including a possible conversation with US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer. It further reported that the Brazilian government has not requested a postponement of the tariffs, maintaining that the proposed measures lack economic justification. However, officials believe Washington could delay implementation to allow additional negotiations, even if the decision to impose tariffs remains unchanged. If the tariffs are announced, Brasilia is expected to issue a strong political response condemning the move as unjustified. Any further action will depend on the scope and implementation of the US restrictions. Officials say Brazil's Economic Reciprocity Law provides legal mechanisms for a possible response, though no decision has yet been taken, Brazil 247 said. The Lula administration also noted that recent US tariff measures have affected several trading partners, including Argentina, Israel and El Salvador, suggesting that Brazil is part of a broader shift in Washington's trade policy rather than an isolated target. (ANI)
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