Brazil Welcomes U.S. Reduction of Tariffs on Beef, Coffee, and Other Goods, but Hopes for Greater Cuts
Brazil – The Brazilian government said on Saturday that Trump's announcement of tariff exemptions on certain products such as coffee was "a step in the right direction," while hoping for more concessions in ongoing negotiations.
Although the U.S. president announced on Friday the cancellation of the 10% "reciprocal" tariffs imposed since April on certain agricultural products, Brazil still faces a 40% punitive tariff on most of its exports to the United States.
Therefore, coffee and beef, which have been subject to a 50% tariff since August, now face a 40% tariff. Brazil is the world's largest producer and exporter of these two products.
This 40% tariff is a retaliation against the so-called "political persecution" of former Brazilian President Bolsonaro. Bolsonaro, a political ally of Trump, was sentenced to 27 years in prison for attempting a coup in September. On Saturday, Brazilian Vice President Geraldo Alckmin stated at a press conference in Brasília that the partial tariff reduction announced on Friday was "positive and a step in the right direction."
He pointed out: "We will continue to work to further reduce the tariffs imposed on Brazil. Regarding coffee, given that Brazil is a major supplier of coffee to the United States, maintaining a 40% tariff makes no sense."
Over the past few weeks, dialogue between Washington and Brasilia has resumed, marked by a meeting between Trump and Brazilian President Lula in late October in Malaysia. Negotiations are still ongoing. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with Brazilian Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira twice this week, first on Wednesday in Canada and then on Thursday in Washington. Unlike most countries subjected to tariffs by Washington, Brazil has a 40% trade surplus with the United States.
Source: rfi
Original: www.toutiao.com/article/1848897925397962/
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