Brazil and the United States are going to negotiate a deepening of the Trade and Economic Cooperation Agreement (ATEC) signed between the two countries in 2020. The decision was taken in meetings between the White House trade representative (USTR), Katherine Tai, and the deputy President Geraldo Alckmin and with Chancellor Mauro Vieira.
The current agreement covers topics such as customs simplification and good regulatory practices.
In an interview with CNN this Wednesday (8), Tai said he hopes that teams from both governments will meet in the second half of the year and be able to expand this economic partnership before the 200th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Brazil and the United States, in 2024.
In 2022, bilateral trade grew by 26% compared to the previous year and broke a historic record, reaching almost US$ 89 billion. The stock of direct investments reaches US$ 200 billion.
The head of the USTR, which is part of the top echelon of the American government, does not give any indications about the possible start of negotiations for a free trade agreement between the United States and Mercosur.
However, she classifies trade relations with the region as a “huge priority” and claims to see opportunities in recent movements in the world economy.
“We will further prioritize our economic involvement in this region. I will also say that in response to the global economic disruptions, the supply chain vulnerability we are experiencing because of the pandemic, the pressures on energy, food and trade, we have a renewed focus on regionalization as part of a response to build more resilience. for the global economy,” said Tai.
The commercial representative made a positive assessment of her conversations with Geraldo Alckmin and Mauro Vieira, in Brasília, where she stayed for two days. “It was clear that both take very seriously their responsibilities to demonstrate that Brazil is back on the global stage, and that Brazil is ready to lead and partner. This is the message I received, very positive, and we are equally ready to build this relationship with Brazil”.
Katherine Tai was prudent when talking about China’s growing presence in Latin America and a possible dilemma when choosing to partner with the United States or with the Asian giant.
“As I understood throughout this trip, Brazil is perhaps as polarized as we are. [EUA]. The conversation can become very politically intense. I think it’s important that we, with our political responsibility, stay very sober.”
“I think that if you trust your leaders’ experience in making that decision, there may be some areas where you have to choose, and some areas where you can cultivate relationships with both,” concluded Tai.
Source: CNN Brasil

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