Flávio expresses concern about political wear and tear when asking the US to spare Brazil from new tariffs; read letter

Flávio Bolsonaro sends letter to Marco Rubio against proposed tariffs on Brazil
Senator Flávio Bolsonaro (PL-RJ), the party's pre-candidate for the Presidency of the Republic, released this Tuesday (2) a letter sent to the Secretary of State of the United States, Marco Rubio, in which he asks that Washington not impose new trade tariffs on Brazil. The measure was announced after the conclusion of a United States investigation into Brazilian commercial practices and the proposal of a 25% tariff on Brazil.
In the document, written in English, Flávio argues that the country is facing a fiscal crisis, with public debt exceeding 80% of GDP, in addition to high levels of family and business debt, and states that new trade barriers could harm the Brazilian population.
The senator also thanked the American decision to include the First Capital Command (PCC) and the Red Command (CV) on the list of terrorist organizations, a measure that had been defended by allies of former president Jair Bolsonaro.
Letter from Flávio Bolsonaro sent to Rubio
Reproduction
The initiative is seen behind the scenes as a sign of concern about the political wear and tear that a possible new round of sanctions or tariffs from the United States could cause. The assessment is that a new tariff would have the potential to repeat the negative effects observed after previous measures adopted by Washington against the former president's allies, including sanctions and the application of the Magnitsky Law, episodes that had a strong political and image impact for the Bolsonarista group.
In this context, the movement with the American government takes on a new dimension. Until now, there were doubts about the ability of the Bolsonarist camp to convert the United States' decision to classify PCC and CV as terrorist organizations into electoral gains. According to different metrics monitored by allies, the initiative had a positive impact on social media, even without a clear explanation to the population about its practical effects.
With the request to avoid new tariffs, however, a new element appears in the scenario. The concern is that any economic measures against Brazil will end up overshadowing the political gains obtained with the public security agenda. Behind the scenes, there are also questions about the extent to which the actions of Brazilian parliamentarians with the American government can expose external interference in issues with a domestic impact. Expectations now turn to Rubio's response and developments in the relationship between the American government and Bolsonaro's allies.
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