Márcio Elias Rosa, Minister of Development, Industry, Trade and Services (MDIC), confirmed that Brazil should receive an offer from the United States concerning the so-called "tarifaço" between this week and the beginning of next. The minister explained that following a meeting in the United States on September 30, Washington committed to sending a term of reference within three or four weeks. As the fourth week has now arrived, Rosa indicated that the document containing suggestions for commercial concessions, such as tariff reductions in certain sectors, is imminent.
The minister clarified the negotiation process, noting that one party presents an initial proposal which the other responds to with counter-offers. He stated that the US document will likely specify the sectors where they seek tariff reductions, after which Brazil will respond based on its own interests. Rosa emphasized that while informal conversations have continued regardless of political discussions, there has been no prior disclosure regarding the specific merits of the upcoming proposal.
When questioned about whether the upcoming US midterm elections could influence these negotiations, the minister was categorical in his response, stating that they would not change anything. He affirmed that Brazil continues its work independently and that the American people define their own electoral outcomes. The context of this dispute involves tariff rounds announced by the US government against Brazil, including a 25% rate citing unfair economic practices regarding PIX, ethanol, and intellectual property, and a 12.5% rate related to concerns over forced labor imports.
Brazil has initiated a request for consultations at the World Trade Organization (WTO), alleging that the US is treating it differently than other commercial partners. In September, representatives of Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and US President Donald Trump met in Geneva to negotiate, opening a 60-day window to reach a consensus before the matter could proceed to a WTO panel. While China has formally requested to participate in the process, the United States has opposed granting them space in the proceedings.
Separately, Minister Rosa addressed the recently sanctioned National Policy for Critical and Strategic Minerals. He noted that the initial list of minerals classified as critical or strategic should not come as a surprise to experts, though some might be surprised by specific absences. The policy defines critical minerals as those with supply risks affecting essential economic sectors, while strategic minerals are those important for technological development, trade balance, or emission reductions. Applications for these materials include energy transition, digitalization, defense, and high-tech industries, with lithium, nickel, cobalt, graphite, and manganese being key components for batteries and electric vehicles.
Sources: G1.