Brazil and the United States are set to restart trade discussions after talks between Brazilian Development, Industry, Foreign Trade and Services Minister Marcio Elias Rosa and US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer.
The meeting focused on the 37.5 per cent tariffs currently imposed on Brazilian products. Elias Rosa said Washington had shown willingness to reopen negotiations, while Brazil maintained that the tariffs were unjustified, unfair and unreasonable.
“This was a meeting to resume dialogue and negotiations. Obviously, we did not advance on any specific negotiation involving sectors, offers or content,” Elias Rosa told reporters.
Brazil also raised environmental concerns, citing a 50 per cent fall in illegal deforestation in the Amazon, the lowest level in five years in the Cerrado, and declines of 34 per cent in the Caatinga and 41 per cent in the Pampa.
On the Pix payment system, Elias Rosa firmly rejected any US involvement, calling it a Brazilian national asset. “Pix is a Brazilian asset. More than 80 per cent of Brazilians use it. There is no possibility of negotiating its operation,” he said.
The minister said further technical discussions are expected in the coming days and weeks, with virtual meetings and a possible in-person meeting later this month or afterward. Brazil is seeking a comprehensive agreement to remove the tariffs and create a more balanced trade relationship.
