Rubens Barbosa: Brazil should send Alckmin to Washington.

247 - In interview with the program good night 247Former Brazilian ambassador to Washington and London, Rubens Barbosa, argued that the Brazilian government should adopt a clear and objective diplomatic strategy in the face of the new scenario imposed by Donald Trump's presidency in the United States. He believes a concrete political gesture is essential for Brazil to succeed in trade negotiations aimed at partially reversing the tariffs of up to 50% imposed by Washington on a wide range of Brazilian products. Barbosa was emphatic:I think the vice president should go to Washington.According to the diplomat, it is necessary to demonstrate political willingness to open a direct channel with the American government.If President Lula doesn't want to call, at least it needs to be clear that there was an attempt at dialogue. Without that, we won't have positive results."He warned."

Political gesture as a precondition

The former ambassador stressed that the current environment in the United States is under the direct control of Trump, whom he described as an "unpredictable" and centralizing figure. He highlighted that all decisions—including trade decisions—require the president's personal approval.Everything is subordinate to him. Domestic politics, Congress, the Supreme Court, and also geopolitics.“He noted. Based on this, he argued that any progress on the trade agenda will depend on a direct political signal to the White House. Barbosa explained that, although Vice President Geraldo Alckmin and Finance Minister Fernando Haddad have acted technically in the negotiations, the symbolic gesture of sending a high-level authority to the American capital has become an explicit expectation of influential interlocutors, such as the American Chamber of Commerce.”They issued a statement condemning the tariff increase against Brazil, but added: Brazil needs to make a gesture and send an official to speak with the White House.”, Reported.

Brazilian strategic interests at stake

According to the diplomat, the focus of Brazilian foreign policy, in this case, should be pragmatic: protecting the national economic interest.Brazil's interest is to minimize the cost of this general tariff for Brazilian companies and save jobs in Brazil.“He stated. According to him, this stance requires separating the political and diplomatic crisis from the commercial agenda. When commenting on the reactions to the letter sent by Trump to Brazil — in which there is a reference to the trial of those involved on January 8, 2023 — Barbosa downplayed the interpretation that the American demand would be the suspension of these proceedings.That's their opinion. I don't see that as a condition for negotiation.“He said. For him, the most important thing is to prevent political noise from contaminating the handling of the economic agenda.”We cannot politicize this negotiation. Brazil is not China. It doesn't have the same weight and can't impose conditions.. "

A second round of negotiations

Barbosa expressed optimism regarding the possibility of Brazil still making progress in a second phase of the process. According to him, about half of the products exported by the country continue to be affected by the new tariff, especially items of interest to Brazil such as coffee and beef.I am optimistic. But to move forward, a political gesture towards the United States will be necessary.“He reiterated. The former ambassador also stated that there is already movement behind the scenes, both from the government and the private sector.”Alckmin's contacts with the Secretary of Commerce and with the USTR. (United States Trade Representative) These are important. But we need to organize a broad mission, including affected sectors, to put pressure on Washington.”, he suggested.

Diplomacy in times of uncertainty.

Barbosa also offered a broader assessment of the global scenario. According to him, the world is experiencing a breakdown in the multilateral system, with the weakening of institutions such as the World Trade Organization (WTO) and the UN.The rules-based international order has disappeared. Today, each country is only defending its own interests. It's the law of the jungle.“Given this new context, he reiterated the importance of Brazil acting pragmatically.”We need to define what is in Brazil's best interest and how we are going to defend it. We can't throw everything away because of the political crisis. That would be against our own interests."He concluded. Watch:"