By Jamie Martin
Brazil expects extended trade talks with the United States following recent signs of new U.S. tariff proposals. Brazilian Finance Minister Fernando Haddad confirmed that key issues such as ethanol and sugar will likely be at the forefront of these discussions.
During an interview with GloboNews TV, Haddad said, “As they are waging war with the entire world, they will not make an exception for Brazil. That certainly will not happen.” He added that when formal talks begin, the U.S. is expected to raise concerns over ethanol, and Brazil will bring up sugar trade barriers in response.
The U.S. is planning new import tariffs, with a full proposal expected in early April. A White House release already cited Brazil’s ethanol tariffs as problematic, prompting reaction from Brazilian authorities.
Energy and Mining Minister Alexandre Silveira described any potential tariff on Brazilian ethanol as “unreasonable” and stressed that Brazil and the U.S. have always discussed sugar and ethanol together.
Brazil's ethanol industry relies heavily on sugarcane, unlike the U.S., which produces ethanol mainly from corn. Brazilian officials argue that U.S. sugar tariffs—particularly on imports outside preferential quotas—are higher and more restrictive than Brazil’s ethanol import duties.
Haddad noted that trade in services, an area where the U.S. exports more to Brazil, may also come under review. Brazil is conducting a detailed evaluation of its trade policies to prepare for negotiations.
“Meanwhile, Brazil is reviewing its entire import and export agenda, item by item, so that when we go to the negotiating table, we can also present our demands,” Haddad said, affirming Brazil’s goal of “reciprocity, not retaliation.”
With agriculture and energy sectors at stake, both countries are bracing for detailed and strategic trade talks that could influence global markets.
Photo Credit: usda
Categories: National