Minister of Development, Industry and Trade Márcio Elias Rosa has begun a visit to India with the aim of expanding trade relations between the two countries in defense, technology and industry. The trip comes amid the imposition of high tariffs by the United States on Brazilian products, making access to the US market more difficult.
The so-called tariff hikes consist of a 25% duty applied over allegations of unfair economic practices and another of 12.5%, related to failures in combating imports of products made with forced labor. According to organizations such as the National Confederation of Industry (CNI) and the American Chamber of Commerce for Brazil (AmCham), more than 4,000 items could be affected by these measures, worsening conditions for Brazilian exporters.
Search for new trading partners
Brazilian authorities stress the need to diversify trading partners and expand existing agreements. Brazil, whose second-largest trading partner is the United States, behind only China, has focused its efforts on strengthening negotiations with countries such as China, Canada and Japan.
In 2025, bilateral trade with India exceeded US$ 15 billion, Minister Márcio Elias Rosa noted. During his stay in the Asian country, he will have engagements in Mumbai and New Delhi, where he will meet with business leaders from strategic sectors such as energy, infrastructure, consumer goods and fertilizers.
Fertilizers and reducing foreign dependence
The Brazilian government estimates that the country imports more than 90% of the fertilizers used domestically, with half of that volume coming from Russia and China. Dependence on these suppliers represents a risk for Brazilian agribusiness, especially amid international conflicts that could affect production.
As a result, Brazil is looking for new alternatives to secure supply. Recently, Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira visited Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan to advance this agenda.
Participation in BRICS meeting
In addition to his trade engagements, Márcio Elias Rosa will take part in Jaipur in the meeting of ministers of BRICS, the group formed by Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa. The bloc has been discussing expanding its membership to strengthen economic ties and reduce dependence on the United States.
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