Concerns over U.S. tariffs have been growing in Brazil and Peru, as many believe that these protectionist measures undermine international trade rules and harm global economic development.
The United States has recently imposed a 10 percent tariff on Brazilian imports, following earlier duties of 25 percent on Brazilian steel and aluminum.
This has sparked criticism and dissatisfaction among the Brazilian people.
"I believe that protectionism will harm the relationship between any country and the United States. This protectionism will affect trade relations, affect all nations, particularly Brazil," said Henrique Villares, a local resident.
"There's no doubt that the tariffs imposed by the United States, particularly on steel, will have a negative impact on the Brazilian market, since steel is a crucial raw material for the entire industry," said Julio Cesar de Moraes, another resident.
As Brazil is the world's leading producer and exporter of coffee, Marcos Matos, executive director of Brazilian Coffee Exports Council, said that U.S. tariffs will harm international trade and cause economic issues.
"[Free trade and global economic growth] are positively correlated. When free trade expands, the global economy also thrives. Whether the U.S. tariffs are a way to exert pressure or part of a long-term strategy, they will harm international flow of trade and market expectations. and also affect the family incomes, and contribute to economic issues like inflation. This situation is troubling," said Matos.
Meanwhile, Jose Linares Gallo, former member of Congress of Peru, said that U.S. tariffs will bring no real benefits at all.
"In fact, the country that used to champion freedom and signed a lot of Free Trade Agreement is now on the completely opposite side. It no longer defends free trade and is undermining its own foundation by eliminating freedom. The absurd tariff policies they have adopted provide no real benefits at all," said Gallo.
Peru has formally requested that the United States suspend a recently approved 10 percent tariff on Peruvian goods, Foreign Minister Elmer Schialer said Wednesday.
According to Schialer, the new tariff violates the spirit of the U.S.-Peru Free Trade Agreements, under which 98 percent of Peruvian exports to the United States are supposed to enter duty-free.
Int'l concerns grow over U.S. tariffs
Int'l concerns grow over U.S. tariffs
