Alckmin's role in defending the government against Trump's tariffs

Vice President Geraldo Alckmin has been considered a central figure in Brazil's strategy to confront the new tariffs imposed by the Donald Trump administration.

Speaking to reporters this Sunday, the 13th, during an event in São Paulo, the Minister of Development, Industry, Commerce, and Services confirmed that the decree regulating tariff reciprocity will be published in the coming days. The text is expected to be released by next Tuesday, the 14th.

The Planalto Palace's response to the 50% tariffs announced by Washington is taking on more defined contours with Alckmin leading the negotiations. The vice president was summoned by President Lula to a meeting in Brasília, bringing forward his schedule originally scheduled for Monday. The meeting is expected to take place late this afternoon.

To implement the decree, the government already has a legal basis, as the National Congress approved the Reciprocity Law. In addition to the legislative strategy, the government also intends to appeal to the World Trade Organization (WTO), according to Alckmin.

"The government will work because we understand that this measure is inadequate and unjustified, and we will appeal to the WTO (World Trade Organization)," he stated. The WTO, however, is undergoing a long process of defunding, thanks to Trump's own decisions.

Before leaving for the meeting with Lula, Alckmin again criticized the tariffs imposed by Trump. "Brazil is not a problem for the US. The US has a surplus with us, both in services and goods. Their trade deficit last year was $1.2 trillion, but not with Brazil. Brazil has a surplus for them," he said.

Coordination with the private sector

Brazil's strategy includes dialogue with the national business community. Alckmin will be responsible for coordinating these discussions, bringing together representatives from sectors potentially impacted by Trump's measures.

"We're going to start talking to the private sector right from the beginning of the week, including American companies, which are very important and which also end up being harmed in some way. So, it's important to emphasize that Brazil has always supported dialogue," Alckmin said last Saturday, the 12th.

The government is seeking to finalize the composition of the business committee, but the proposal is to include representatives from all sectors that may be affected by the tariff hike.