Brazils Ministry of Industry and national trade associations have raised concerns over Washingtons newly imposed tariffs on imported steel and aluminum, arguing that the measures could hit the countrys economic recovery.
While Brazil is often spotlighted for its large-scale exports in the mining and agribusiness sectors, small and mid-sized factories which account for nearly half of the nations industrial GDP now face rising costs for raw materials and disrupted supply chains.
Local business owner Carla Mendes, who runs a family-owned steel fabrication shop in So Paulo, says her monthly bills for imported aluminum have jumped by more than 15%, forcing her to reconsider expansion plans and potentially cut back on hiring.
An economic analyst at the Rio de Janeiro Trade Institute, Lucas Pereira, warns that these additional duties could ripple through key industries from construction to automotive parts, leading to higher prices for consumers and slower growth in export-oriented manufacturing.
In response, Brazils government has summoned U.S. trade representatives for consultations while boosting support programs for vulnerable sectors. Officials are also exploring new partnerships in Asia and Europe to diversify sourcing and mitigate the impact of Washingtons policies.
As global trade tensions rise, Brazilian manufacturers are mobilizing to ensure that smaller players arent left behind, and to protect the engine that drives nearly half of the countrys industrial output.
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Brazilian manufacturers push back against U.S. steel, aluminum tariffs
cgtn.com
