BRAZIL TO INCLUDE SUGAR IN TALKS WITH THE US

Brazil negotiates in exchange for more openness for American ethanol and seeks better terms for sugar in the US. Currently, the US exempts 146.6 thousand tons of sugar and levies 80% on excess volumes. In 2023 Brazil exports 1.12 million tons. The government intends to raise the sugar quota to balance anticipated losses with the entrance of additional American ethanol, therefore helping flexible mills. Alckmin also sought to defer 25% tariffs on steel and aluminum in meetings with Trump aides, citing Brazil’s purchases of American coal and supplies of semi-finished steel needed for U.S. manufacturing. The idea is to keep the negotiations sectorized and hunt for technical solutions. Despite the tensions, Brazilian exports to the US rose 22.9% in February; Trump’s policies have not yet clearly impacted the trade balance, which had a USD 323 million deficit in the month.
Source: Folha de S. Paulo/Udop (*Translated by Ia Niani)