Trump's tariffs could bring a turning point for Brazil.

The crisis triggered by Trump's tariff hikes could be transformed into a strategic lever for Brazil. Historically, we have been pushed into the role of raw material exporters. Darcy Ribeiro said that Brazil never ceased to be a colonial sugar mill precisely for this reason. We did not consolidate complete industrialization and remain trapped in an economy based on raw materials. Even today, we sell soybeans, corn, meat, iron ore, and oil, all without any processing.

During World War II, under the leadership of Getúlio Vargas, the country began a process of import substitution and strengthening of national industry. This progress was interrupted from the 1980s onwards, with the aggressive entry of international capital driven by the neoliberal governments of the post-dictatorship era and by globalization.

Throughout history, we have examples of national entrepreneurs sabotaged by a conservative elite that has always defended foreign interests. Baron Mauá, in the 19th century, and Gurgel, in the 1970s, are symbols of entrepreneurial boldness crushed by subservience to foreign interests.

The tariffs imposed by the United States affect our relationship with one of our main trading partners. But it's important to remember: our trade balance with them is negative. We buy more than we sell, and what we export is still basically raw materials. This scenario could be the necessary impetus to reposition Brazil: investing in transforming the productive base and exporting goods with added value.

It's time for Lula to lead a serious conversation with the national business community. The response to this crisis requires opening new markets and, above all, modernizing what the country produces and sells. The productive sector is an essential piece in any national reconstruction project. Even Lenin understood this when he launched the New Economic Policy in Russia.

The moment calls for the construction of a new national pact, involving the petty bourgeoisie, the business community, Congress, and the Supreme Court. A collective commitment with clear goals: reducing inequalities, reindustrialization, investment in science, and economic growth with social justice. This is a way out that goes far beyond a specific crisis. It is the path for Brazil to truly become the global power it can and should be.

Now that's what it means to be a patriot.