EN 
PT_BR Finance Minister Fernando Haddad said that the US tariff hike will affect 4% of Brazilian exports, but that, of this total, 2% will already have an alternative destination. The statement was made on Tuesday (05) during the 5th plenary meeting of the Council for Sustainable Economic and Social Development.
Haddad began his participation in the event by highlighting a series of "good news" that ended up losing media coverage due to concerns about the effects of the tariff hike in Brazil. "It was an apprehensive week, but with a lot of good news. Achievements that bring well-being to the population," said the minister, citing Brazil's removal from the Hunger Map; the lowest unemployment rate in history (5.8%); and the income of Brazilians, which, according to him, "has increased like nothing seen since the Real Plan."
The minister also cited the decline in inflation and inequality, "to a historic low," as well as the primary results of the public accounts; the quality of the fiscal adjustment; and the preservation of investments in areas such as infrastructure and education.
Markets
The minister noted that exports to the United States previously accounted for 25% of the country's exports abroad, emphasizing, however, that "thanks to the Lula administration's policy, back in 2003, of opening markets to Brazilian products, they [exports to the US] now account for 12%. Of these 12%, 4% are affected by the tariff hike." "And of the 4%, more than 2% will naturally be allocated elsewhere because they are commodities with international prices that will find their destination in the short or medium term," he added.
Haddad, however, considered that the situation requires care and a lot of attention.
Photo: Claudio Neves
"But we're vigilant. Just because 2% or 1.5% of exports will be affected doesn't mean we'll let our guard down. We know that within this 1.5%, there are very vulnerable sectors. Sectors that generate a lot of jobs, such as fruit farming. Sectors that require special attention from us, which we will give," he added.
He explained that the federal government's concern is to ensure that people "eat, work, and invest." "We will help these families harmed by an attack that has already been called unjust, undue, and inconsistent with the 200 years of fraternal relationship that binds us to the people of the United States," the minister stated.
Good news
Later in his speech, Haddad revisited the "good news" that set the tone for the opening part of his speech. "I could also talk about record investment, both in industry and infrastructure, which is experiencing its best moment in 15 years. We have to look at all of this amidst the geopolitical situation we're currently experiencing. We have to look at all of this with optimism, especially because without optimism, I wouldn't advise anyone to take over Brazil's Ministry of Finance," he stated.
