Brazilian industry estimates nearly half its US exports will face additional tariffs

Nearly half of Brazil's exports to the United States will face some form of additional tariff, according to a new study by the National Confederation of Industry (CNI), the country's main industrial employers' body. The CNI estimated the exposed share at 48.7% following the entry into force of Washington's new forced-labor tariff scheme this week.

Brazil is one of the largest US trading partners in Latin America, and the new levy adds to a series of trade disputes between the two countries in recent years. Industry groups warn that higher costs could squeeze exporters already operating on tight profit margins, particularly in sectors such as agriculture, steel and manufactured goods.

Brazilian officials are expected to explore whether exemptions can be secured for specific tariff lines, while exporters recalculate pricing and shipping strategies to absorb the new costs. Analysts say the scale of the exposure adds pressure to Brazil's broader economic growth outlook and will be closely watched for its effect on the country's trade balance.