In recent years, Import rates in the United States have been a central theme in the economic and political scenario, with direct implications for Brazilian entrepreneurs who export to the American market - or who consider this possibility. For companies that depend on exports to the US, Understanding how these rates work and the potential impact on costs and competitiveness is essential to making strategic decisions and protecting profitability. Tariffs are not just numbers in a foreign trade table; They directly affect prices, demand and even trade relations between countries.

In a recent interview with Bloomberg Surveillance Podcast, The United States Treasury Secretary, Scott Betting, discussed the current state of the American economy and the effects of tariffs on markets and industry. Bessent said that, Although economic growth remains solid, There are concerns about the impact of trade policies, especially in relation to the rates imposed by President Donald Trump. He emphasized that, Despite the uncertainties, There is no reason to predict a short -term recession, highlighting that underlying economic data, like consumption through credit cards and banking performance, remain positive.

"What I can guarantee is that there is no reason to have a recession", dissees better. “We are seeing very positive economic data.”

Reciprocal tariffs and the waterfall effect

Bessent also addressed the issue of reciprocal rates that must be announced in 2 April. He explained that each commercial partner in the United States will receive a specific rate, based on economic and commercial criteria. Some countries may face higher rates due to commercial disputes, while others may negotiate agreements to avoid penalties.

“Each country will receive a number that we believe to represent its tariffs. For some countries, This value can be relatively low, while for others it can be significantly high ”, Explicou better.

This policy of reciprocal tariffs is especially relevant to the Brazil, that maintains a significant business relationship with the United States. Brazilian products that once entered the American market with little or no tariff barrier can be impacted negatively, becoming more expensive and less competitive. Commodities exporters like soybeans, coffee and manufactured products may face difficulties in maintaining profit margins and winning new customers.

Challenges for small Brazilian entrepreneurs

For Brazilian businessmen who export to the US, The scenario presents important challenges:

• Higher entry costs - If high tariffs are applied to Brazilian products, The final price for the American consumer can increase, reducing competitiveness to suppliers from other markets.
• Pressure on profit margins - Companies that operate with tight margins may have difficulty absorbing the impact of tariffs without passing costs to customers.
• Uncertainty and volatility - The possibility of commercial retaliation by US business partners, like China and the European Union, can create instability in markets and impair global supply chains.

In a study on the impact of Trump's tariffs on his first management, economists from WITH, University of Zurich, Harvard e World Bank concluded that these measures failed to restore jobs in the US manufacturing sector. Despite the tariffs on steel in 2018, the number of jobs in American steelmakers remained practically stable around 140 A thousand jobs - An insignificant value before the 1,6 Million jobs generated only by Walmart in the USA.

Furthermore, the tariffs caused retaliation that directly reached sectors such as agricultural. To China, for example, responded to American tariffs imposing restrictions on soybean and pork imports from the United States, affecting farmers and creating instability in markets.

Sectoral impact and mitigation strategies

For Brazilian exporters, It is essential to adopt strategies to mitigate the impact of tariffs and adapt to a more restrictive commercial scenario:
✅ Market diversification - Seek alternatives in other international markets, like Europe and Asia, can reduce the dependence of the American market.
✅ Supply Chain Review - Identifying opportunities to reduce logistics and operational costs can help compensate for the effect of tariffs.
✅ Long -term contracts - Setting long -term supply agreements with American partners may provide higher price stability and sales volume.
✅ Investment in added value - Offering differentiated and higher value -added products can justify higher prices and reduce the impact of price -based competition.

American Economy and Commercial Policy

Bessent also stressed that the Trump government seeks bring back industrial production to the American territory and reduce the dependence on imports. This movement can generate opportunities for companies that seek local manufacturing partnerships or joint ventures In the USA.

At the same time, The US government studies ways to restrict external investments, especially those linked to China, as a way to protect strategic sectors and reinforce national economic security. Bessent said that the Treasury Department is collaborating with Congress to implement new rules that limit investments in critical technology and infrastructure.

Conclusion

The US commercial scenario is undergoing a significant transformation, with tariffs emerging as a political and economic tool to shape global trade balance. For Brazilian entrepreneurs, The impact can be double: greater difficulty in accessing the US market and greater competitive pressure due to the increase in prices.

The ability to adapt and quickly respond to these changes will be essential to ensure competitiveness in the US market. Closely monitor ads on tariffs and business policies, Adjusting pricing strategies and seeking new market opportunities will be fundamental steps to face this new business environment.

Secretary of Treasury Scott Bessent on Tariffs and Economic Perspectives

In this Bloomberg podcast video, The Treasury Secretary, Scott Betting, discusses the current state of the economy of the United States, discarding fears of an imminent recession, Despite the growing concerns around the tariff increases implemented by President Trump. Bessent highlights positive economic indicators from banks and credit cards, but recognizes that there may be a “break” As the economy comes to depend less on government spending. It also details the reciprocal tariffs that will be announced in 2 April, explaining that different countries will face distinct tariff levels, Depending on negotiations. O professor Campbell Harvey, from Fuqua School of Business at Duke University, It offers an in -depth analysis of how Trump -led trade policies can affect US markets and economic strategy in the coming years.