CNI hires US law firm to work on tariffs; understand

The National Confederation of Industry ( CNI ) has hired a law firm in the United States to expand dialogue between the Brazilian private sector and institutions of President Donald Trump's administration. The lawyers will work both in responding to the investigation launched by the USTR (United States Trade Representative) and in lobbying Republican Party politicians.

+Brazil ranks last in industrial competitiveness ranking, according to CNI

TheUSTR investigation was launched under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974, which establishes procedures for identifying trade practices detrimental to U.S. interests. The investigation's opening cited issues such as Pix, patent infringements in the 25 de Março Street market, and restrictions on the transfer of Brazilian data to U.S. companies.

"Our role at the firm is to prepare, on behalf of the private sector, a technical argument for all questions," says Frederico Lamego, CNI's superintendent of international relations. "It's not a legal dispute; it's providing legal support for a technical process."

The investigation could last up to 12 months, and if the results indicate that practices are indeed harmful to the US, the report will recommend corrective action. President Donald Trump will then decide whether to respond by seeking an agreement or with retaliatory measures. Since the investigation is not related to the tariffs already imposed on Brazil, the result could be new tariffs or other sanctions against the country.

Frederico Lamego emphasizes that the response prepared by the CNI will occur in parallel with that of the Brazilian government and other organizations that will be heard during the investigation.

On the second front, the firm seeks to build a lobby, supported by both Brazilian and US companies. "We want to establish contacts with representatives of the US government, especially the Republican Party, so that we can have a positive agenda and demonstrate the importance of bilateral relations between the two countries," explains Lamego.

In early September, the CNI is preparing a mission of Brazilian businesspeople to the US, where they will meet with representatives of American importers to try to establish a political dialogue. Although the CNI spokesperson doesn't name the companies, he mentions the pulp, timber, and juice sectors, among others. "We even have açaí producers from Pará; the demands are very diverse," he says.

Other actions taken by the CNI to assist the sector included submitting to the Lula administration a proposal for compensatory measures for all affected sectors and a map of Brazilian investments in the US, which could contribute to negotiations on the current 50% tariff. According to Lamengo, Brazilian companies have an investment portfolio of nearly $24 billion in the country.

"We are also advocating for a lot of dialogue and common sense to avoid any retaliatory measures at this time," concludes the CNI superintendent.