Brazil Downplays Economic Risks Amid US Tariff Threats and Market Volatility
Brazil's government has dismissed concerns over potential economic fallout from US President Donald Trump's threat to impose a 50% tariff on Brazilian imports. Finance Ministry officials maintain a 2.5% GDP growth forecast for 2025, arguing only select sectors like aerospace and energy machinery—heavily dependent on US buyers—face significant exposure.
President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva struck a measured tone, expressing openness to negotiations while warning of reciprocal measures should diplomacy fail. The comments follow Trump's criticism of Brazil's judiciary for prosecuting former president Jair Bolsonaro, whom he called "treated very unfairly." Market reactions remained muted as analysts weighed the limited sector-specific impact against broader geopolitical tensions.