Key Points
- Marco Rubio says U.S.–Brazil ties are on a “positive trajectory” after months of tariff and sanctions turmoil.
- The U.S. narrowed tariff coverage, cut duties on 200-plus goods, and lifted Magnitsky sanctions linked to Brazil’s Supreme Court dispute.
- Venezuela is the next stress point, with Rubio not ruling out direct Trump–Maduro talks.
On December 19, Rubio said trade cooperation with President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has moved forward, though “work” remains. He also confirmed a recent call with Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira to align priorities.
That is a change from August, when the Trump administration imposed tariffs that reached 50% on Brazilian products.
Brasília answered with a R$30 billion ($6 billion) support line through the Export Guarantee Fund, paired with help for smaller exporters and tax relief to steady cash flow.
A political opening followed in late October, when Lula and Trump met during the 47th ASEAN summit in Kuala Lumpur. Brazil pushed for a negotiated fix, arguing the tariffs were economically damaging. The U.S. signaled it wanted faster, deal-like outcomes.
Relief came in steps. In mid-November, the White House updated the annex tied to Executive Order 14323, narrowing the list of goods facing the additional burden.
Soon after, Washington removed a 40% layer of duties for more than 200 items, including beef, coffee, and açaí.
Rubio Sees Improving U.S.–Brazil Ties, With Trade Talks Still Unfinished
The bigger reset came on December 12, when the U.S. removed Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes, his wife Viviane Barci de Moraes, and the Lex Institute from the Global Magnitsky sanctions list.
The designations had turned Brazil’s internal legal fight into a bilateral confrontation. Lifting them lowered the temperature and reopened room for trade bargaining.
Trump’s Brazil U-Turn: When Tariffs And Sanctions Yield To Minerals And Deals
Now Venezuela may decide whether the thaw holds. Rubio said Washington recognizes Lula’s “good will” in offering to mediate and did not rule out a Trump–Nicolás Maduro meeting, even as the U.S. tightens maritime enforcement around Venezuelan oil.
Politics still bites. U.S. Democratic lawmakers have urged Trump to avoid new tariffs on Brazil. In Brazil, Jair Bolsonaro’s 27-year sentence keeps tensions high.
Online, the shift has fueled viral false claims about hidden U.S. “demands,” showing how easily technical decisions become political weapons.