The US Senate has approved a bill revoking tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump on Brazilian products. The measure passed with 52 votes in favor and now requires approval from the Republican-controlled House. The bill aims to end the national emergency declared in July.
On the night of October 28, the US Senate voted in favor of a bill introduced by Democratic Senator Tim Kaine of Virginia, with 52 votes for and 48 against. Five Republicans supported the initiative: Mitch McConnell, Thom Tillis, Rand Paul, Lisa Murkowski, and Susan Collins, forming a rare alliance between Democrats and opposition.
The tariffs of up to 50% on Brazilian imports were imposed by Trump in July under a national emergency pretext. He justified the measure as a response to the alleged 'witch hunt' against former President Jair Bolsonaro, who was sentenced in September to 27 years and three months in prison for leading a coup attempt.
According to Kaine, the vote is symbolic to pressure the government to review its tariff policy. 'These tariffs are destructive to the economy and to trade relations with historic US partners like Brazil,' the senator stated.
The context includes a recent meeting between President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and Trump on October 26 in Malaysia, lasting about an hour. The leaders discussed the tariffs and sanctions against Brazilian officials, mentioning Bolsonaro – Trump expressed admiration for the former president but avoided making him a central topic. The White House issued a positive note: 'It is a great honor to be with the President of Brazil… I think we will be able to close good deals for both countries… We have always had a good relationship, I think it will continue like that'.
Despite Senate approval, analysts see little chance in the House, where new Republican rules could block the bill's progress, leaving its future uncertain.