Brazil ministry calls Bolsonaro 'traitors' over U.S. tariff trip

Brazil's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Itamaraty, launched a sharp public attack on Senator Flávio Bolsonaro's planned testimony at a U.S. hearing concerning potential tariffs on Brazilian goods. The ministry took to social media to denounce Bolsonaro's trip, labeling him and his supporters as "traitors to the homeland" who are attempting to "rewrite history."

Itamaraty asserted that the proposed tariffs, part of a Section 301 investigation, originate from an effort to interfere with Brazil's judicial processes. The ministry also addressed Bolsonaro's criticism of the Lula government's absence from the public hearing, clarifying that such forums are typically for the private sector and civil society. It noted that other major trading partners, like China and the European Union, also do not send government representatives to these hearings.

Despite the government's strong opposition, Senator Bolsonaro, who is also a pre-candidate for the presidency, registered to testify at the hearing scheduled for July 6. His office submitted a request to the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) for a five-minute oral testimony. Bolsonaro stated his intention to defend Brazil's interests and prevent further taxation on Brazilian companies under the current administration, advocating for bilateral negotiations instead of tariffs.

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As audiências públicas da Seção 301 nos Estados Unidos são espaço de atuação do setor privado e da sociedade civil. Outros importantes parceiros comerciais dos Estados Unidos, como China e União Europeia, tampouco enviam representantes às audiências públicas.