Reaction to the tariff hike: Alckmin brings together industry and agriculture and intends to seek out American companies

Vice President and Minister of Development, Industry, Commerce and Services, Geraldo Alckmin (PSB), will lead two meetings on Tuesday 15 with representatives of the sectors most affected by the increase in tariffs imposed by the United States on Brazilian products.

At 10 a.m., it will be the industry's turn—including the steel, aluminum, machinery, footwear, furniture, and auto parts sectors. At 4 p.m., Alckmin will meet with representatives from agribusiness, such as producers of coffee, orange juice, meat, fruit, honey, and leather.

The objective is to hear from entities and companies directly impacted by the tariff hike announced by Donald Trump , which determined a surcharge of up to 50% on the import of Brazilian products.

According to Alckmin, in addition to listening to national sectors, the government intends to establish discussions with American companies affected by the measure, due to the strong productive integration between the two countries.

"There are mixed production chains: for example, we buy American steelmaking coal, produce semi-flat steel, and export it to the United States, which uses it to manufacture engines," the vice president said at a press conference on Monday the 14th. "American companies will also be affected and need to be heard."

In addition to meetings with the private sector, Alckmin stated that the government will seek dialogue with bilateral entities, such as the American Chamber of Commerce (Amcham), and will strengthen diplomatic negotiations already initiated with the White House.

The move is part of the Lula administration's (Workers' Party) effort to prioritize diplomatic channels, without ruling out the use of the Reciprocity Law , which allows Brazil to retaliate commercially against countries that impose disproportionate barriers on its products. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, however, assesses that channels with the US are currently " closed " due to Trump's politicization of the relationship.

The meeting with agribusiness will also feature ministers linked to the sector, such as the heads of Agriculture, Agrarian Development, Ports and Airports, and Fisheries. According to Alckmin, Tuesday's meetings mark the beginning of a mobilization that should continue over the coming weeks.