Democrats won control of both chambers of the US Congress in the midterm elections, a result that may open a possible opening for Brazil to negotiate US tariffs, though the new Congress will not take office until January 2027. Until then, Republicans continue to control both the House and Senate.
Democratic control of Congress does not automatically suspend US trade barriers. Lawmakers can investigate tariff effects, summon officials and propose limiting the executive’s tariff authority, but President Donald Trump keeps his legal instruments and veto power intact.
Minister plays down impact
Speaking on Tuesday, Márcio Elias Rosa, minister of Development, Industry, Trade and Services, said the election result changes nothing for Brazil’s approach. “No, nothing, nothing changes absolutely. Brazil continues on its path, has a lot of work to do, and the American people define the elections,” he said.
Ana Carolina Marson, a professor of International Relations at the Fundação Escola de Sociologia e Política de São Paulo, said relations may improve but that this would not amount to a complete change in the relationship.
The Brazilian government expects to receive a US proposal in the following week indicating the sectors where Washington is seeking tariff reductions. Itamaraty, Brazil’s foreign ministry, says the trade talks between the two countries began before the Republican defeat in the midterms.
Milwaukee meeting and next steps
During a G20 meeting in Milwaukee on 30 September, Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira and Márcio Elias Rosa met US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer. The two countries agreed to set up a working group on tariff and non-tariff barriers.
Commentary around the election also pointed to the war with Iran, now in its ninth month, as unpopular with Americans and a possible factor behind the vote.
