Simespi awaits agenda with BNDES and ApexBrasil in Piracicaba

Simespi awaits agenda with BNDES and ApexBrasil in Piracicaba Credit: Disclosure Simespi (employer union of the metal-mechanical industries of Piracicaba, Saltinho and Rio das Pedras) awaits the definition of the technical agenda that will be held in Piracicaba with representatives from BNDES and ApexBrasil over the next two weeks. The meeting is one of the main aspects of the meeting held on the 7th, at BNDES, in São Paulo. On the occasion, Simespi led a delegation that delivered to the Federal Government a list of proposals to reduce the impacts of the new 37.5% tariffs imposed by the United States on Brazilian exports, including the preservation of jobs and investments and the guarantee of support for exporting companies and suppliers that are part of the regional production chain. The document also argues that the priority should be a negotiated solution between countries, with an expansion of exceptions to surcharges. "We left the meeting with important recommendations and, now, our expectation is to define the agenda in Piracicaba. We want to put companies in the region in direct contact with BNDES and ApexBrasil to learn about the available instruments and, mainly, discuss solutions suited to the reality of our industry", says the president of Simespi, Paulo Estevam Camargo. For Simespi's first vice-president, André Simioni, the meeting represented an important change in the conduct of discussions, moving from the impact diagnosis phase to the construction of solutions. "We left the meeting with concrete recommendations. The Federal Government reaffirmed that it will continue negotiating the reduction of tariffs, presented alternatives for opening new markets and confirmed that BNDES and ApexBrasil will be in Piracicaba in the coming weeks to detail financing lines, support programs and opportunities for companies. Now, the challenge is to make these measures reach the industry quickly", he highlights. Piracicaba was highlighted at the meeting as one of the Brazilian cities most affected by tariffs due to the concentration of companies in the machinery and equipment, metalworking, auto parts and capital goods sectors and the extensive supply chain linked to large exporters. Data presented by Simespi show that the United States absorbed 51% of Piracicaba's exports in the first half of 2026, generating around US$657 million. The concern extends to companies that do not export directly. A survey cited by Simespi estimates that around 50 companies in the city and region, bringing together approximately 10 thousand workers, are directly affected. A decline in orders from large exporters could also affect small and medium-sized suppliers of parts, components and industrial services. "Our central concern is with the preservation of jobs and the entire production chain. The impact does not end with the company that exports. It reaches small and medium-sized suppliers, service providers and, consequently, the economy of Piracicaba and the region", highlights Camargo. In the future agenda in Piracicaba, the BNDES should present lines of support, including instruments for decarbonization, innovation and Industry 4.0, in addition to the possibilities of access to the measures of the Sovereign Brazil plan. Simespi demands that the mechanisms also include suppliers of large exporters and small and medium-sized companies indirectly affected. Among the proposals presented are working capital lines, financing for companies with suspended or renegotiated contracts and resources for innovation and modernization. ApexBrasil, in turn, should discuss strategies for diversifying foreign markets. The agenda presented by the union proposes actions to expand business in Latin America, Europe, Asia, Africa and the Middle East, through business missions, business rounds, commercial intelligence, certifications and participation in international fairs. “We need to act on two fronts: provide conditions for companies to get through this moment without compromising jobs and investments and, in parallel, expand markets to reduce dependence on a single destination for our exports”, adds the president of Simespi. Strengthening national industry In addition to the emergency measures to face the effects of tariffs, Simespi took advantage of the meeting to defend structural proposals aimed at strengthening Brazilian industry. Among the topics discussed are monitoring the Mov Agrícola line, increasing national content in machinery and equipment, the use of commercial defense mechanisms against unfair practices and encouraging vehicles powered exclusively by ethanol. The second vice-president of Simespi, Erick Gomes, highlighted that the proposals seek to take advantage of industrial policy instruments to stimulate investments and increase the competitiveness of Brazilian production. "We bring proposals that stimulate national production, such as incentives for ethanol-powered vehicles and mechanisms that prioritize machines and equipment produced in Brazil in public financing. These are initiatives that strengthen our industry, preserve jobs and increase the competitiveness of Brazilian companies", he states. Simespi also formalized an invitation for a future visit to Piracicaba in an expanded agenda with businesspeople, workers and local leaders. Meanwhile, the entity awaits confirmation of the date of the meeting with BNDES and ApexBrasil in Piracicaba, considered the next step to transform the steps discussed in São Paulo into concrete actions for the regional industry. The meeting was attended by the mayor of Piracicaba, Helinho Zanatta; the president of the Metalworkers Union of Piracicaba and Region, Wagner da Silveira (Juca); the municipal secretary of Economic Development, Thais Fornicola; and the municipal secretary of Labor, Employment and Income, José Luís Ribeiro; to v