Haddad says U.S. demands would breach Brazil’s Constitution - Valor International

Finance Minister Fernando Haddad said on Monday that negotiations over the 50% tariff imposed by U.S. President Donald Trump on Brazilian products have stalled because Washington is demanding that Brazil act in ways that violate its own Constitution.

“The only reason talks aren’t moving forward is that the United States wants us to act against the Constitution—by having the executive branch interfere in judicial decisions,” Mr. Haddad said during an event hosted by CNBC and the Financial Times in São Paulo.

According to him, the Brazilian government has made several efforts to engage, but the U.S. has shown no willingness to negotiate. With recent tensions, he warned, bilateral trade could decline further. Mr. Haddad also stressed that Brazil is a signatory to all international human rights agreements and is setting an example of resilience amid the tariff dispute.

“My concern is not what will happen in the last year of my term as finance minister, but the fact that a country, with its economic and military power, interferes with what is established in other countries’ constitutions,” he said.

Mr. Haddad emphasized that the dispute is not between the two peoples and should not be happening. He noted that, while the U.S. shows little openness to dialogue with Brazil, it has extended a red-carpet welcome to Russian President Vladimir Putin. “Brazilian diplomacy is among the most respected in the world, and we are open to dialogue,” he said.

The minister rejected claims that Brazil is protectionist. “Given the size and importance of Brazil, the country cannot be anyone’s backyard. With countries imposing tariffs of 40% and 50%, is it really Brazil that’s protectionist?” he asked.

This article was translated from Valor Econômico using an artificial intelligence tool under the supervision of the Valor International editorial team to ensure accuracy, clarity, and adherence to our editorial standards. Read our Editorial Principles.