Brazil and US Negotiate Steel Tariffs Imposed by Trump Administration

Technicians from the Brazilian Ministries of Foreign Affairs (MRE) and Development, Industry, Commerce and Services (Mdic) held a negotiation meeting with the United States to mitigate surcharges imposed by the Trump administration, which already affect steel producers in Brazil. The meeting, held via videoconference, follows the 25% tariff on steel and aluminum imports implemented on March 12. Brazil aims to demonstrate that these tariffs harm the U.S. industry, as most Brazilian exports to the U.S. are semi-finished products (slabs). Local steelmakers rely on these imports for domestic finalization. The Brazilian government prioritizes dialogue, considering potential concessions in exchange for a positive signal from the U.S., while reciprocity remains a last resort. Trump has been firm on steel and aluminum tariffs, contrasting with his first term when a quota agreement avoided surcharges in 2018.