Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira said on Thursday (11/13) that the United States may submit a response on Friday (11/14) to the Brazilian proposal to reduce the 50% tariffs imposed by the Donald Trump government on national products.
According to the advisor, Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed that the issue is being analyzed and that Washington wants to move forward on the issue “very soon.”
Vieira announced, “The Foreign Minister said that they are studying these issues carefully and all the time, and that they want to resolve the bilateral issues with Brazil quickly and that the response will come very soon, tomorrow or next week.”
The speech came after a meeting between the two in Washington. Rubio even posted a photo next to Vieira, stating on social media that they discussed issues of “mutual importance” and a “mutual framework” for the business relationship.
The proposal was submitted and initial agreement was expected
Vieira confirmed that Brazil had submitted a “general proposal” regarding customs duties to the United States, but he did not give details of the content. He explained that specific topics – such as coffee taxes – were not discussed at the meeting.
The chancellor says he hopes the countries can reach a preliminary agreement by the beginning of December, which will serve as a basis for broader negotiations. According to him, the next stage is in Washington’s hands.
He added: “We have to wait for their reaction.”
Pressure from Trump and its impact on Brazil
- Trump’s 50% tariffs took effect on August 1, and are in addition to existing additional duties on sectors such as steel and aluminum.
- Since the beginning of his term, the North American president has used tariffs as a tool for trade pressure on the BRICS countries – including Brazil.
- After defending Jair Bolsonaro amid the standoff with the STF, Trump threatened to further expand trade barriers, stating that Brazil would not be “good” for the United States.
- In April, the country was already subject to an initial 10% tariff.
Itamaraty and the Foreign Ministry are first working on concluding an interim agreement, which will serve as a “roadmap” for final negotiations. Vieira estimates that this subsequent process could last between two and three months.
According to the Chancellor, there are indications that the US government wants to “turn the page” and resolve disputes with Brazil. In a message conveyed by Rubio, Trump reportedly said he would quickly resolve the impasse and maintain a good relationship with Lula’s government.
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