Tariffs Between the U.S. and China Could Boost Brazilian Exports

The growing trade tensions between the world’s two largest economies — the United States and China — may create opportunities for Brazil to expand its exports, particularly in the agricultural sector. This view was shared by Luis Rua, Secretary of Trade and International Relations at the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock.

“Not just soybeans, but any other value-added product,” the secretary commented during a press conference held on Tuesday (22), in which he presented an overview of the ministry’s actions to promote Brazilian agricultural exports.

When asked about potential opportunities arising from the tariff war triggered by U.S. President Donald Trump, Rua noted that around 30% of all poultry meat imported by China comes from the United States, which also accounts for about 16% to 18% of its pork imports and 8% of its beef consumption annually.

“Obviously, Brazil is ready to step in with the U.S. exiting this [Chinese] market. Of course, there are other players [competitors]. Still, perhaps not all of them have the scale that Brazil has to support [China],” Rua remarked, adding that the outcome for exporters “will depend on China’s appetite” for Brazilian products.

“In today’s world, with everything we see, few regions can deliver what Brazil can with the same attributes. Brazil offers products that are of high quality, competitiveness, sustainability, and sanitary safety, free of all notifiable animal diseases and enjoying a highly privileged phytosanitary status,” the secretary added.

Rua also assured that, despite the U.S. and China threatening to impose sanctions on countries negotiating unilaterally with their commercial rival, Brazil will continue “speaking with all countries.”

“We’ve said that in this dispute between two major superpowers, it’s our role to promote the geopolitics of peace. And that’s what we’ll do — whether negotiating with the U.S., China, or any other country. Brazil speaks with all nations and will continue to do so. We’re not changing our strategy,“ concluded the secretary, noting that it is still too early to measure the impact of the additional tariffs the United States has imposed on Brazilian products.

Source: Agência Brasil

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