Photo caption: Oil
Brazil is preparing to defend its oil export sector as U.S. President Donald Trump threatens to impose a 50% tariff on Brazilian imports starting August 1. The move has escalated tensions between the two countries, with Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva vowing reciprocal action: “If he charges us 50%, we’ll charge him 50%,” Lula told local media outlet Record.
Oil is Brazil’s top export to the United States, and until now it had been exempt from a 10% tariff already imposed on other Brazilian goods. In 2024, Brazil exported a record 1.78 million barrels per day (bpd), of which 243,000 bpd were shipped to the U.S., according to government data compiled by consultancy StoneX. The prospect of a steep tariff on crude has raised concerns about short-term disruption but not long-term damage.
“These tariffs may generate short-term noise in trade flows and impact margins on spot contracts, but do not represent a structural risk,” BTG Pactual analysts Luiz Carvalho and Gustavo Cunha said in a client note. They expect Petrobras—Brazil’s largest oil producer—to remain largely unaffected, noting that only 4% of its oil exports went to the U.S. in Q1 2024.
While the U.S. market accounts for roughly 37% of Petrobras’ refined product exports, analysts believe these flows can be redirected with minimal impact. “In absolute terms, it’s a small volume, and Petrobras should be able to find alternative buyers,” BTG added.
Lula has convened a ministerial group to study Brazil’s response, warning that the country may also appeal to the World Trade Organization. He cited Brazil’s new Reciprocity Law as a legislative tool to counter tariff hikes from foreign governments.
As U.S. tariffs are delayed until August 1, Brazil is attempting to safeguard a sector that has become increasingly important for its economy. With export volumes rising and diversification underway, Brazil may weather the immediate fallout—but a prolonged trade war could test even its flexible energy strategy.
=== Oilprice.com ===
