US President Donald Trump has announced tariffs of up to 25% on countries maintaining commercial ties with Iran, in response to the violent suppression of protests there. The decision puts Brazil on alert, risking exports of meats and other agribusiness products. Experts warn of potential trade tensions and significant economic impacts.
Donald Trump's decision to impose tariffs of up to 25% on nations trading with Iran aims to economically isolate Tehran and punish indirect partners of the regime, following the violent crackdown on protests in Iran. Announced recently, the measure threatens Brazil's foreign trade, particularly sectors like animal proteins, where the Iranian market is strategically important, though not the largest partner.
Manuel Furriela, a master's degree holder in International Law, explains that "it is not an unprecedented measure. The United States has already used this type of economic pressure to force countries to break commercial relations with governments considered hostile." He cites the 1990s precedent, when Brazil was pressured to halt exports of industrial products and high-value equipment to Iraq during the Gulf War. "The impact was significant because it involved products that Brazil traditionally exports less of, but which have high added value. The precedent shows that this type of sanction has a real effect on the economy," Furriela states.
Currently, Iran serves as a relevant alternative for diversifying Brazilian meat exports. "Iran does not compare to the United States, China, or the European Union in volume, but it has weight. Losing this market would mean concrete losses for specific agribusiness sectors," the expert assesses. The Brazilian government has not yet taken an official stance, but its pragmatic approach in relations with Washington may open room for negotiations and exemptions.
However, the risk remains: "The American signal is clear: any country that maintains this type of relationship runs the risk of facing surcharges. Brazil could face a negative trade agenda again," Furriela warns. The situation tests the balance of Brazilian diplomacy between economic pragmatism and geopolitical alignments, in a world of growing commercial fragmentations.
