U.S. tariff hike pressures Brazilian steel exports, prompting cautious response

China

U.S. tariff hike pressures Brazilian steel exports, prompting cautious response

2025-06-05 02:05 Last Updated At：14:57

The United States' decision to double tariffs on steel and aluminum imports to 50 percent has placed significant pressure on Brazilian exports, prompting cautious responses from both industry leaders and government officials.

Last year, Brazil sent nearly 4 million tons of steel to the U.S., its biggest buyer for the commodity.

One Brazilian trader emphasized disarray in the industry in response to the tariffs, though he maintained that opportunities for gains may persist in some sectors.

"We are living in chaos. As I said before, it's the uncertainty, because all the players, either the seller or the buyer, and we as traders are in the middle, we have to be very careful with the volatility that occurs due to sudden changes of rules. So it's a moment to be very cautious with the management and risk of the business," said Bruno Russo, partner from Timbro Trading.

The Brazilian government is trying to find a balance between defending national industries and preserving diplomatic ties with a critical trade partner.

With exports to the U.S. under pressure, Brazil is now looking for other markets, while still hoping to secure a partial exemption through negotiations with the U.S.

"We can't afford to lose key partners like the United States, which is an important market for Brazil. So at this moment, we see the government proceeding cautiously — keeping dialogue open and trying to obtain some flexibility in the tariff increases applied to Brazilian products," said Alexandre Uehara, professor of international relations at Brazil's Higher School of Advertising and Marketing (ESPM).

U.S. President Donald Trump announced on May 30 that he plans to double tariffs on steel and aluminum imports to 50 percent, a move aimed at further shielding the domestic industry from foreign competition.

The Trump administration imposed sweeping 25 percent tariffs on all steel and aluminum imports on March 12, drawing sharp criticism from the U.S. auto industry. Canada responded with immediate retaliatory measures, while the European Union also announced counter-tariffs but ultimately withdrew them.

Milano-Cortina Paralympics reveal opening, closing themes as Games draw near

The organizing committee of the Milano-Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games has unveiled the titles, creative visions, and first talents of the opening and closing ceremonies, as Thursday marked 50 days before the event officially gets underway.

Scheduled from March 6 to 15 across multiple Italian cities, the Games will bring together 665 athletes from 50 countries and regions to compete for 79 gold medals across six sporting disciplines.

The opening ceremony, titled "Life in Motion," will be staged at the historic Arena di Verona, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, presenting a tribute to change and transformation that seeks to redefine disability through a new harmony between people and the environment.

"I paid close attention to the opening ceremony of the Beijing Winter Olympics, which I consider one of the three or four most beautiful in the history of Olympic ceremonies. This time at the ancient Arena di Verona, we will place greater emphasis on showcasing the human element," the ceremonies' artistic director Alfredo Accatino told a Chinese reporter at the event.

The closing ceremony, themed "Italian Souvenir," will be held on March 15 at the Cortina Curling Olympic Stadium, guiding athletes, volunteers, and fans through a journey that captures the emotions and memories of the Games after days of competition and achievement.

Craig Spence, the International Paralympic Committee's Chief Brand and Communications Officer, believes that Italy will deliver "the best Paralympic Games" following the benchmark set by the Beijing Winter Paralympics in 2022.

"I think what China did in Beijing has really set the benchmark for all future teams competing in the Paralympic Winter Games in terms of performance. That's why I think Milano-Cortina will be the best Paralympic Games we've ever seen for sports," he said.