Bolsonarist businessman to tell US tariffs would aid Lula, seeks sanctions on Moraes

Bolsonarist businessman Paulo Figueiredo is set to tell a U.S. public hearing that a proposed 25% tariff on Brazilian products would be counterproductive. Figueiredo, an ally of the Bolsonaro family, argues that the tariff would "punish the victims" and "reward the perpetrators" of investigated conduct. He believes it would push Brazil closer to China, undermining U.S. strategic interests.

“

the tariff would punish the victims, reward the perpetrators of the investigated conduct and produce the opposite effect of American strategic interests by bringing Brazil even closer to China.

Instead of tariffs, Figueiredo plans to advocate for individual sanctions against Brazilian officials, specifically naming Supreme Court Minister Alexandre de Moraes. He suggests using the Global Magnitsky Act and visa restrictions, measures he argues would target responsible authorities without harming the Brazilian economy or American consumers. This push for sanctions against Moraes and other ministers has been a focus for Figueiredo and Eduardo Bolsonaro during their Washington visits.

“

The tariff hits the wrong target.

Figueiredo also contends that the tariff would politically benefit President Lula. He anticipates the Brazilian government would leverage the trade dispute into a nationalist narrative during the election campaign, converting friction with Washington into domestic political gains. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, however, plans to focus on official government channels, viewing the public consultation as a space for private sector and other interested parties. The Brazilian embassy will send diplomats to observe the sessions.

“

this has been a request from him and Eduardo, and it does not extend to Flávio because he considers that it is not his role.