Marco Polo Mello Lopes, executive president of the Brazilian Steel Institute (IABr), has voiced concerns over the United States' decision to impose an additional 50% tariff on steel imports from Brazil, potentially raising the total tariff rate to 100%. In a televised interview from Rio de Janeiro, Lopes questioned whether the new measure would be cumulative with the existing 50% tariff, emphasizing the ambiguity surrounding its implementation.
The announcement, set to take effect on 1 August 2025, arrives during ongoing negotiations aimed at easing the burden of earlier tariffs through quota-based arrangements—similar to those introduced during President Trump’s first term in 2017. Lopes highlighted the setback this development poses to Brazil’s diplomatic efforts to secure relief for its steel industry.
During the first half of 2025, Brazil exported 2.72 million metric tons of steel slabs to the United States, valued at $1.50 billion. These figures underscore the importance of the US market for Brazilian semi-finished steel products. However, exports of finished steel products remain comparatively low and are not expected to play a major role in tariff-related disputes.
The impending tariff hike has stirred uncertainty in trade circles, raising concerns about its long-term impact on Brazil–US steel relations.
