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Alckmin Reveals Ongoing US Trade Talks, Targeting Coffee, Machinery, and More Exports

Alckmin Confirms U.S. Trade Negotiations Are Not Over, Cites Key Export Sectors

Brazilian Vice President and Minister of Development, Industry, Trade, and Services, Geraldo Alckmin, has stated that the negotiations with the United States to reverse tariffs are far from concluded. Despite President Donald Trump’s recent move to remove some tariffs, a significant portion of Brazilian exports remains affected.

The ongoing tariff impositions continue to impact 22% of Brazil’s export volume to the U.S. Alckmin emphasized that these discussions are set to gain momentum, with specific attention on products like soluble coffee, grapes, machinery, and engines.

This update comes as Brazil’s export sector has shown resilience, growing by 9.1% even amidst the trade friction. Alckmin attributes this success to Brazil’s proactive market expansion efforts, noting a shift in trade dynamics over the decades, as reported by Estadão Conteúdo.

Focus on Key Export Products for Future Negotiations

During an interview on the Flow podcast, Alckmin detailed the specific items that are still subject to U.S. tariffs. “The negotiation is not over, it will have more speed,” he stated. He further elaborated on the remaining obstacles, mentioning “soluble coffee, grapes, machinery, engines, so you have a list there, shoes, clothing, manufactured products for us to work on and be able to advance, but it has already improved.”

This indicates a strategic focus on these particular sectors to achieve further reductions in trade barriers. The Brazilian government is actively working to secure better market access for these goods.

Resilience in Brazilian Exports Despite Tariffs

Alckmin highlighted the impressive growth of Brazilian exports, which stood at 9.1% despite the existing tariffs. He attributed this performance to Brazil’s successful market diversification strategies. “This is because Brazil opened markets,” he affirmed.

He provided historical context, noting that in the 1980s, the United States accounted for 24% of Brazilian exports, a figure that has since decreased to 12% today. This shift underscores the importance of ongoing trade dialogues to rebalance these figures.

Alckmin on 2026 Presidential Candidacy

In addition to trade matters, Alckmin also commented on the upcoming presidential elections in 2026. He views President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva (PT) as the “natural candidate” for the presidency. “I see that President Lula is the natural candidate, because where there is re-election, as in the United States and Brazil, the incumbent is the natural candidate, unless there is a personal reason,” Alckmin explained.

However, he also acknowledged the unpredictable nature of politics, stating that “a year in politics is a century” and that “everything can change.” This adds a layer of political commentary to the economic discussions, reflecting the dynamic landscape of Brazilian governance.