By order of President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, Brazilian ministries have launched efforts to expand export markets and reduce the impact of new U.S. tariffs. Negotiations are ongoing with countries including China, India, Japan, South Korea, Canada, Mexico, the United Arab Emirates, and Vietnam.
According to government sources, results are expected in the coming months, though negotiations may take time. The initiative includes participation from the Foreign Ministry (Itamaraty), the Presidential Chief of Staff, the Planning Ministry, the Agriculture Ministry, and the Ministry of Development, Industry, Trade and Services (MDIC). Vice President Geraldo Alckmin, who heads the MDIC, is scheduled to lead a trade mission to Mexico this week.
ApexBrasil, the Brazilian Trade and Investment Promotion Agency, reported that 90 companies registered interest in the mission in the first three days, a number that later rose to 113. Not all firms will join the official delegation, as Apex will prioritize sectors. Planning for the mission followed discussions between President Lula and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum. Brazil exported US$7.8 billion to Mexico in 2024, compared with US$40 billion to the United States.
Chief of Staff Rui Costa has requested meetings with Chinese and Indian embassy officials, with India identified as a strategic focus. Business delegations are also being planned for India. The Foreign Ministry, led by Mauro Vieira, is pursuing talks with the United Arab Emirates, Canada, India, and Vietnam. Lula has raised the possibility of a Mercosur free trade agreement with Vietnam, while Brazil chairs the bloc until the end of 2025.
President Lula is also expected to make two international trips in October, attending the ASEAN summit in Malaysia and making a state visit to Indonesia, both intended to strengthen trade links.
The Ministry of Agriculture is working to secure alternative markets for exports most affected by U.S. tariffs, including coffee, beef, fish, and fruit. In August, the ministry sent a mission to Japan and South Korea, two of the three major markets still closed to Brazilian beef. Agriculture Minister Carlos Fávaro has expressed hopes of unlocking the Japanese market between November and December 2025.
Source: DatamarNews