Flávio Bolsonaro publishes letter sent to Rubio against new US proposal for tariffs on Brazil; read in full

Flávio Bolsonaro sends letter to Marco Rubio against proposed tariffs on Brazil
Senator Flávio Bolsonaro (RJ), PL's pre-candidate for President, released to the press a letter addressed to the Secretary of State of the United States, Marco Rubio.
In the document, written in English, Flávio expresses concern about the possibility of new tariffs against Brazil.
He states that the country is facing a fiscal crisis, with public debt exceeding 80% of the Gross Domestic Product.
He highlights the high levels of indebtedness of citizens and companies and states that new tariffs could harm the population.
In the document, Flávio requests the non-imposition of tariffs recommended by the Office of the United States Trade Representative.
The senator also thanked the US decision to include the Primeiro Comando da Capital (PCC) and Comando Vermelho (CV) factions on the list of terrorist groups.
Letter from Flávio Bolsonaro sent to Rubio
Reproduction
See the translation of the letter below:
Dear Secretary Rubio,
I write, first of all, to thank you for the cordiality with which I was received during my recent visit to Washington. Our conversation reinforced my conviction that the friendship between our two nations is based on shared values and a common vision for the security and prosperity of the Western Hemisphere.
I am especially grateful for your decision to designate the Red Command and the First Capital Command as terrorist organizations. These two factions are among the most violent criminal enterprises in Brazil, and their networks of drugs, weapons and money extend far beyond our borders - reaching your country as well. The overwhelming majority of the Brazilian people celebrated this measure, even though it did not please our current government. This is a decisive step toward protecting honest citizens throughout our shared hemisphere.
I also write, however, to express my concern about the recent Section 301 ruling announced by the United States Trade Representative. Although I understand that no tariffs have been imposed to date - the determination merely begins a process of public consultation and technical steps that will culminate in a legal deadline in July - I consider it my duty to share with you the real economic conditions faced by the Brazilian people at this time.
Brazil is experiencing a serious process of fiscal and economic deterioration. Our gross general government debt has now exceeded 80% of GDP for the first time since the pandemic, reaching R$10.4 trillion in April - and market projections point to a record 83.7% by the end of the year. Public accounts continue to record a primary deficit, while debt interest payments have reached record levels. The burden on ordinary families is even more alarming: a record 81.7 million Brazilians are currently in default - almost half of the adult population -, with financial commitments consuming an unprecedented portion of family income. In the business sector, judicial recoveries - Brazil's equivalent to the United States' Chapter 11 - soared to an all-time high of 2,466 companies in 2025, while 8.7 million business taxpayers were in default at the start of 2026. Each of these numbers represents an all-time high.
In this context, the imposition of new tariffs would cause serious harm to the Brazilian people - precisely the citizens who see the United States as a partner and friend. Therefore, I write to formally reiterate the request I made to you personally: that the United States not impose tariffs on Brazil.
As I have already stated, I am confident that I will be elected President of Brazil this October. If this is the will of my people, I am prepared to make my transition team immediately at your disposal so that we can conclude, as quickly as possible, a comprehensive trade and investment agreement beneficial to both our nations - built on the principles of free markets, mutual respect and the strategic alliance that our people deserve.
I remain entirely at your disposal and look forward to further deepening the friendship between Brazil and the United States.
May God bless the United States, and may God bless the Brazil.
Respectfully,
Flávio Bolsonaro
Senator of the Federative Republic of Brazil.

Source: G1