On Thursday (11/13), US Secretary of State Marco Rubio posted a photo next to Brazilian Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira after a meeting in Washington. He stated in the post that he discussed “issues of mutual importance” and highlighted building a “framework of reciprocity” for the trade relationship between the two countries.
I met with Brazilian Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira at the ministry today. We discussed issues of mutual importance and the mutual framework for trade relations between the United States and Brazil. pic.twitter.com/SoJzYUvlF4
– Secretary Marco Rubio (@SecRubio) November 14, 2025
The meeting comes amid negotiations to reduce the 50% tariffs imposed by the Donald Trump administration on Brazilian products. According to Mauro Vieira, Brazil has made a “general proposal” for the United States to deal with tariffs.
The Chancellor stated that it is now up to Washington to respond.
“We have to wait for their reaction,” Vieira said after the meeting. According to the advisor, Rubio stressed that the issue is being analyzed “with the utmost attention” and that the response should be issued “tomorrow or next week.”
The minister did not give details about the content of the proposal submitted, and stated that specific points – such as imposing taxes on coffee – were not discussed.
Definitions, pressures and diplomacy
- The Trump administration has been using tariffs as a trade pressure tool since the beginning of its term, with a particular focus on the BRICS countries.
- The Republican even threatened to impose tariffs of up to 100% on countries that, he said, do not serve “American commercial interests.”
- After defending Jair Bolsonaro amid the former Brazilian president’s confrontation with the Federal Supreme Court, Trump threatened to increase tariffs on Brazilian exports.
- He stated that Brazil would not be “good” for the United States.
- The current 50% tariff came into effect on August 1, and adds to other measures already in place for specific sectors, such as steel and aluminium. In April, Brazil was also hit with an initial 10% tariff.
Find a temporary agreement
With the new progress in negotiations, Itamaraty and the Foreign Ministry are first working on concluding an interim agreement that will serve as a “roadmap” for broader understanding.
Vieira estimates that this second phase may last between two and three months until all outstanding points are completed.
According to the minister, there are clear signs of the interest of the American government – including Trump himself – in finding a quick solution. Vieira said that Rubio conveyed a message from Trump confirming the desire to maintain a close relationship with Brazil.
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