Alckmin says that Brazil matters more than exports: how is a relationship with the US?

Trump said Brazilians need the Americans, but experts heard by Facto News evaluate that the importance of Brazil should not be relativized. Leonardo Trevisan, Professor of International Relations at ESPM, points out that Brazil is a historical ally and plays an important role for American companies due to the integration of productive chains. “The United States could find it elsewhere, but it would pay more and give up decades of relationship. It would be a significant discomfort,” explains Leonardo Trevisan, Professor of International Relations at ESPM.

“Imbalance” in taxation, however, marks the trade of both countries. Pointing is made by Marcelo Godke, expert in international business law and partner of Godke Advogados. “The question is not the trade balance, but the discrepancy in the tariffs practiced by the two countries. This, in my view, is really a problem, because there does not seem to be a reciprocity between the two countries,” he says.

Trump needs to drain local production, understands expert. “The relationship between Brazil and the United States is not main to either. I evaluate that we have a balanced relationship. When Trump speaks of the international market, he also needs others to buy the products produced there,” says Stefânia Ladeira, a foreign trade expert and leader in Foreign Trade Operation and new Saygo Comex solutions

In 2024, the US had a 12% stake in Brazilian exports and 15.5% in imports made by Brazil. There were about US $ 40.3 billion in exports and $ 40.5 billion in imports from the United States last year, according to Brazilian government data. The numbers represent high 9.2% and 6.9%, respectively, compared to 2023.

Brazilian government also says doing negotiations to try to block tariffs. Vice-president stated that conversations with US representatives lead to the creation of a working group for “economic cooperation” between the two countries. “Brazil celebrates 200 years of diplomatic relations with the United States. We have over 4,000 American companies in Brazil, growing and generating jobs,” said Alckmin.

Indicative that conversations are underway is a good sign for maintaining relationships. “Everything has to be negotiated. You can’t just be in bravado, it’s sitting and negotiating as you do in good diplomacy. Trump made clear his methodology. He gives a shock, puts the problem on the table so that he is discussed and resolved,” says Godke.