Planalto believes that Rubio is trying to legitimize Flávio as a tariff negotiator

Following the letter sent by Marco Rubio to Flávio Bolsonaro (PL-RJ) this Friday (26), the Palácio do Planalto assesses that the United States Secretary of State is trying to "legitimize" the senator and pre-candidate for the Presidency as Brazil's main interlocutor in the tariff negotiation.

Diplomats interviewed by CNN believe that Flávio had signed up to participate in a public hearing in Washington, on the 6th, as part of this effort. On that occasion, the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) will address the tariffs imposed on Brazil.

Flávio's objective would be to reduce the negative impact that the tariff had on his popularity. Aides to President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva (PT) assess that the United States is showing growing signs of interest in the 2026 election and in having a name aligned with Donald Trump in the Planalto.

In early June, the senator had asked Rubio that Trump spare Brazil from the new tariff. In the letter sent to Flávio this Friday, the Secretary of State reinforced the North American position in defense of the application of taxes on imports of Brazilian products.

The Lula government indicates behind the scenes that there is no reason to send a representative to the hearing on the so-called "section 301" - as this space is aimed at private sector participation. The assessment is that the working group signed with the North Americans is the appropriate path for this negotiation.

As CNN showed, Planalto already sees it as unlikely that Brazil will escape US tariffs. The White House threatens taxes of 25% under Section 301 and 12.5% for alleged lack of control over forced labor.

For diplomats, the 12.5% tariff is a path found by the USTR (United States Trade Representative) to replace the rates overturned by the North American Supreme Court and is practically a given. Brazil and 59 other countries are targets of this investigation.

Regarding section 301, the assessment is that the White House should not deny the USTR's recommendation so as not to create a "precedent" for its other negotiations. Palace sources understand that Donald Trump will not give up taxation without a counterpart that he can present as a victory to his domestic electorate.

Letter from Rubio to Flávio
In response to Flávio, the US secretary reinforces USTR's arguments by proposing the imposition of 25% duties on all imports from Brazil, except for goods that are classified as "subject to national security tariffs".

The agency says it has determined that the Brazilian government's policies on digital commerce, certain tariffs and illegal deforestation are subject to legal action under 301 - a trade policy tool that allows Americans to investigate and retaliate against other nations against trade practices considered unfair.

Rubio also highlighted that Ambassador Jamieson Greer proposed corrective measures for public consultation, before any definitive measures were adopted. "This determination and proposed corrective measures stem from an investigation initiated in July 2025 at the specific direction of President Trump," he wrote.

The response comes days after Flávio signed up for the USTR hearing. The senator asked for five minutes to speak in person. Furthermore, he mentioned that he has already discussed the issue directly with Donald Trump and Marco Rubio.

Flávio meets with Secretary Marco Rubio in the USA | CNN PRIME TIME

Source: CNN