Brazil Politics: Bolsonaro Sees Open Channel After Trump Tariffs

Written by
Fernando Travaglini
Written by

Fernando Travaglini

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(Bloomberg) --

Brazil President Jair Bolsonaro said he has a “open channel” to discuss tariffs with Donald Trump, after the US president restored tariffs on steel shipped from Brazil. Bolsonaro asked journalists to wait for him to discuss the tariff issue with Economy Minister Paulo Guedes and, if needed, with Trump, before commenting on U.S. decision.

Trade War

“I'll talk to Paulo Guedes now. If it's the case, I talk to Trump, I have an open channel with him,” Bolsonaro told journalists on Monday morning. Earlier, Trump tweeted “Brazil and Argentina have been presiding over a massive devaluation of their currencies. which is not good for our farmers. Therefore, effective immediately, I will restore the Tariffs on all Steel & Aluminum that is shipped into the U.S. from those countries.”

Economic Shuffle

Brazil's Treasury Secretary, Mansueto Almeida, wants to leave his post for personal reasons, newspaper Valor Economico reported last Friday, citing unidentified officials. According to newspaper Estado, Guedes will shuffle roles within the ministry. Almeida may become the executive secretary of the Fiscal Council of the Republic, an entity that would be created by constitutional amendment as part of the so-called Federative Pact. Almeida reportedly told colleagues that his commitment to the current government is to remain in charge of the National Treasury, according to Folha de S.Paulo. The appointment to the Fiscal Council of the Republic could only be an extra position, said the report.

More Changes

Another change, which is already set, according to Estado, involves transferring deputy secretary Esteves Colnago to Guedes' cabinet to reinforce political negotiations in Congress. The current Secretary of Foreign Trade and International Affairs, Marcos Troyjo, has reportedly been considered for a seat in the BRICS bank.

Support for Reforms

Bolsonaro still backs Brazil's pro-market policies, Guedes said in an interview with O Globo newspaper published on Sunday. That's despite some delays to their implementation due to political timing amid social protests in the region.

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On the eve of climate conference, Bolsonaro publishes environmental package: Valor Economico
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Newspaper Top Stories

O Estado de S. Paulo and Folha de S.Paulo
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Valor Economico
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