CNI President says Brazil cannot give up partnerships with Trump
The president of the National Confederation of Industry (CNI), Ricardo Alban, stated that Brazil cannot forgo the strategic partnership with the United States under Donald Trump's new term, even in light of the 50% tariff imposed on Brazilian products.
In an interview with Folha de S.Paulo, he emphasized the importance of maintaining dialogue with Washington while Brazil seeks opportunities in Southeast Asia.
Alban supported the Lula government's decision not to immediately retaliate against American tariffs and advocated for a focus on measures to mitigate the impacts on exporting companies, such as extending foreign exchange contract deadlines.
The CNI presented the government with a package of 32 measures, eight of which are priorities, with special attention to the most vulnerable sectors such as footwear, furniture, wood, fruits, and fish.
Ethanol is another sensitive point: Alban suggested a bilateral understanding to resolve historical disputes and advance joint projects on sustainable fuels (SAF).
The U.S. is pushing to reduce tariffs on ethanol in the Northeast, while Brazil will seek to defend its interests in the process initiated under Section 301 of U.S. trade law.
Other suggested areas of cooperation include big techs, a double taxation agreement, and the exploration of critical minerals, where Brazil has a competitive advantage due to having the second-largest rare earth reserve in the world.
Alban also warned of geopolitical risks that could affect agribusiness, such as trade sanctions similar to those imposed on Russia.
Finally, the CNI president advocated for caution, technological adaptation, and encouragement of dialogue as central strategies to face the current scenario, avoiding ruptures that could harm the Brazilian industry.
Source: Brasil247