Alckmin says negotiations with the US regarding tariffs are urgent, but extending the deadline wouldn't be a problem.
The vice president said that the Brazilian government is still awaiting a response from US authorities.
BRASILIA (Reuters) - Brazil's Vice President and Minister of Development, Industry, Trade and Services (MDIC), Geraldo Alckmin, said on Wednesday that negotiations between Brazil and the United States regarding the 50% tariff on Brazilian products announced by US President Donald Trump are urgently needed.
In a press conference following a meeting on the subject with representative entities, Alckmin said that the Brazilian government is still awaiting a response from US authorities and considered that he sees no problem if there is a need to extend the deadline for negotiations.
"We want negotiation, it's urgent, and it would be good if it were resolved in the next few days. If there is a need, in this negotiation, to extend it, I see no problem with that," he stated.
Regarding the investigation opened by the United States Trade Representative into possible "unfair" trade practices by Brazil, Alckmin said that the government will provide any explanations requested.
"This is not the first time an investigation has been opened; it has been done before, Brazil responded, and the matter was closed," he said.
Citing themes used as arguments by the US government to open the investigation, the vice president mentioned that deforestation in Brazil is decreasing, the deadlines for intellectual property analysis have been reduced, and Pix is a successful mechanism.
