Brazil, U.S. Open Talks to Ease 50% Tariffs After Vieira–Rubio Meeting

Overview

• Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira called the Washington meeting with Secretary of State Marco Rubio very productive, and both sides exchanged direct contacts and issued a joint note to keep talks moving.
• Brazil reiterated its request to suspend or reverse the tariff package while negotiations advance, with the U.S. Section 301 investigation remaining a central backdrop.
• Commercial issues will be handled by USTR and Alckmin’s ministry, while Vieira and Rubio manage political-diplomatic questions and prepare a presidential encounter at the earliest feasible date.
• Reports say prior U.S. political conditions linked to Jair Bolsonaro and targeted sanctions were not emphasized in the session, signaling an effort to keep the focus on the trade track.
• Markets tracked the diplomatic momentum, with the dollar opening weaker, and separately the Federal Police’s Operation ‘Narco Bet’ alleges influencer Buzeira received about R$21.9 million in a money-laundering scheme under active investigation.