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⚠️ A ‘shortcut to war’
Brazil seeks to step up its efforts to avoid economic chaos before August 1. The country to join the ICJ case decrying genocide in Gaza. The risks of self-dealing and personal enrichment inherent in Brazil’s budgetary grant system.
Gustavo Ribeiro & Isabela Cruz
July 24, 2025
TARIFFS
Brazil deploys efforts as tariff deadline approaches
Brazilian lawmakers say the upcoming US tariffs will push Brazil even closer to China. Photo: Dilok Klaisataporn/Shuttestock
With just days to go before the US imposes an additional 50% tariff on Brazilian imports, Brasília is scrambling to win allies and avoid economic fallout — though it is under no illusion about the likely outcome. The tariff decision, announced by Donald Trump on July 9 and set to begin August 1, has already upended trade expectations.
At the World Trade Organization (WTO) yesterday, Brazil took a defiant tone. “Arbitrary tariffs, chaotically announced and implemented, are disrupting global value chains and risk throwing the world economy into a spiral of high prices and stagnation,” said Philip Gough, Brazil’s delegation chief, at the WTO’s General Council meeting.
👉 Why it matters. Gough denounced what he called “a dangerous shift towards the use of tariffs as a tool in attempts to interfere in the domestic affairs of other countries” — and warned that “negotiations based on power plays are a dangerous shortcut to instability and war.”
Forty countries voiced support for Brazil’s stance, including China, India and the European Union. The EU warned of “increasing economic costs” and the “fragmentation of global trade” resulting from Washington’s actions. The US, in turn, responded with a perfunctory statement repeating that it is merely protecting its workers from “unequal” global competition…
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