Key facts
- Brazil's chemical industry association Abiquim called the new 25% US tariff on Brazilian exports unjustified.
Brazil's chemical industry association Abiquim stated that the new 25% US tariff on Brazilian exports is unjustified. The association argues the measure targets a sector where the US already has a significant trade surplus and could raise costs for American manufacturers.
The new US tariffs on Brazilian chemical exports could increase costs for both Brazilian producers and potentially US manufacturers, while also prompting calls for government support and further trade negotiations.
Brazil's chemical industry association, Abiquim, has voiced strong opposition to the newly confirmed 25% US tariff on Brazilian chemical exports, deeming the measure unjustified. The association highlighted that the US already holds a substantial trade surplus in the chemical sector with Brazil, having exported approximately $11.5 billion of chemicals in 2025 while importing only $2.1 billion.
Abiquim stated that while tariff exemptions cover 493 out of 1,177 chemical HS6 codes, representing 64-71% of export value, a significant 684 codes remain subject to the additional 25% duty. The industry body estimates this tariff could impose costs of around $66 million by the end of 2026, escalating to $133 million annually. Segments such as coatings, synthetic textile fibers, soaps, and detergents are anticipated to be the most impacted.
In response, Abiquim has called upon the Brazilian government to develop support measures for affected companies and to continue negotiations with Washington to broaden the list of exempted products.