Lula's remarks about the "petrochemical industry" reinforce the sector's strategic importance in the economy, says Abiquim.

247 - Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva's statement about the petrochemical industry—referring to a conversation with then-US President Donald Trump that "it wasn't chemistry, it was a petrochemical industry"—was received with enthusiasm by the Brazilian chemical sector. This information comes from the Brazilian Chemical Industry Association (Abiquim), which considered the statement a symbolic recognition of the strategic importance of this production chain for the national economy.

According to Abiquim, the chemical and petrochemical industry represents 11% of the country's industrial GDP and accounts for more than 2 million direct and indirect jobs. The presidential comment, albeit brief, reignited the debate about the need for policies to stimulate national production and strengthen the sector's competitiveness, especially in light of the challenges posed by the international scenario.

The situation is considered delicate. The tariff measure adopted by the Trump administration imposed surcharges of up to 50% on Brazilian chemical products exported to the United States, affecting approximately US$1,7 billion in annual sales. The increased costs have already resulted in contract cancellations and reduced orders in strategic segments such as basic petrochemicals, organic intermediates, and thermoplastic resins. The repercussions could also affect other production chains, including textiles, furniture, and capital goods, which depend directly on these inputs.

In 2024, Brazil's trade deficit in chemical products reached US$48,7 billion—the largest in the historical series. Factories in the sector are currently operating at only 64% of their installed capacity, the lowest level ever recorded. This scenario reinforces, according to Abiquim, the urgent need for approval of Bill No. 892/25, which establishes the Special Program for the Sustainability of the Chemical Industry (Presiq).

The bill, which is being processed under urgent procedure in the Chamber of Deputies, proposes incentives focused on sustainability, innovation, and competitiveness, with the goal of reducing dependence on imports and strengthening the national production base. “The president's comment symbolically acknowledges the importance of the petrochemical industry. Now, it's time to translate this recognition into concrete industrial policy measures,” stated the CEO of Abiquim, André Passos Cordeiro.

The organization highlights that the expected results from Presiq would be significant. Estimates point to an increase of up to R$ 112 billion in GDP, the creation of 1,7 million direct and indirect jobs, an increase of R$ 65,5 billion in tax revenue, and a reduction of up to 30% in CO₂ emissions per ton produced.