Brazil has launched a 210 million real ($39 million) Export Diversification Plan targeting 36 alternative markets as Washington's escalating tariffs threaten billions in trade. ApexBrasil president Laudemir Müller detailed the strategy on Tuesday in São Paulo, saying the agency stands ready to support up to 5,300 companies across 35 strategic sectors through more than 300 promotional initiatives running until August 2027.
The plan offers slots for business meetings, trade fairs, consultancy, and an export exchange, with actions concentrated in Latin America, Europe, and Asia. It comes as Brazilian sales to the US have fallen since May 2025, when President Donald Trump's government first imposed a 50% additional tariff — later lifted by a court — followed in July by further duties of 25% and 12.5% over alleged unfair trade practices and forced labour concerns. About 5,600 Brazilian firms are directly affected, with between $7.4 billion and $11 billion in exports at risk.
Diplomatic tensions have also mounted, with the US revoking the visa of Brazil's ambassador Maria Luiza Viotti on Aug. 4. Despite the headwinds, Brazil posted a $49 billion trade surplus through July, up 31.9% year-on-year.