Brazil condemned the U.S. decision to impose a 25% tariff on steel and aluminum imports, deeming it “unjustified and mistaken.” With exports totaling approximately 3.2 billion dollars in 2024, Brazil’s officials emphasized the importance of trade relations and vowed to explore all options to mitigate the tariffs’ impact on their economy.
On March 13, 2025, Brazil labeled the United States’ increased tariffs on steel and aluminum imports, set at 25 percent, as “unjustified and mistaken.” The Brazilian Foreign Ministry and the Ministry of Development, Industry, and Foreign Trade expressed concerns about the potential adverse effects on Brazilian exports of steel and aluminum, which reached approximately 3.2 billion U.S. dollars in 2024.
Officials emphasized that the U.S. decision was unwarranted, considering the “historic cooperation and economic integration” between Brazil and the United States. Brazil stands as the third-largest importer of U.S. steelmaking coal and is the largest exporter of semifinished steel to the U.S. market, highlighting the importance of trade relations between the two nations.
The U.S. has maintained a considerable trade surplus with Brazil, which amounted to roughly 7 billion dollars in goods in 2024. In response to the tariff hikes, Brazilian officials stated that the country would pursue all possible trade actions in the coming weeks to mitigate the detrimental effects of the U.S. tariffs and safeguard its legitimate national interests.
The Brazilian government strongly criticizes the U.S. decision to increase tariffs on steel and aluminum, stating it is inappropriate given their historical cooperation. With significant trade ties, Brazil is poised to respond strategically to protect its economic interests following these new measures. The situation highlights the complexities of international trade relations and Brazil’s commitment to addressing the challenges posed by the increased tariffs.
Original Source: www.uniindia.com
