Cargo terminal at Viracopos airport in Campinas Isabela Leite / G1 Prepared and preserved meats, tires and electrical industry components lead the list of products from the Campinas Metropolitan Region (RMC) most exposed to the additional 25% tariff proposed by the United States for Brazilian imports. This is what an analysis by the PUC-Campinas Observatory, carried out at the request of g1, points out. The study mapped the main products sold by the region to the USA and shows that some sectors combine high dependence on American buyers with little or no protection in the list of exceptions provided by the United States government - check below. ? The application of the 25% surcharge is part of an investigation conducted by the United States into alleged commercial practices considered "unreasonable" by the American government. The measure was proposed in June and the deadline for a final decision is July 15th. The list of exceptions provided by the US protects some products, but leaves others completely or almost completely exposed to the new charge. According to economist Paulo Oliveira, researcher at the PUC-Campinas Observatory and director of the university's Faculty of Economic Sciences, the effects tend to be heterogeneous in the region. "When we look at the aggregate, the impact is relatively small from this perspective. But when we start to look at some sectors, at some companies, then the impact is dramatic," he stated. MORE exports to the USA in the last 12 months. The American market accounted for 84.2% of exports of this product made by the region. Exposure of the main products exported by the RMC to the tariff proposed by the USA Impacts for the RMC In Paulo Oliveira's assessment, the biggest impacts may occur in a localized manner, especially in municipalities that concentrate companies that are highly dependent on the American market. "Here in the region, in fact, there are some cases that are dramatic for municipalities. Because the municipality that has a company that exports 80% of its production to the United States... Okay, this municipality is in a complicated situation, because a large part of the population works in this company. This company will have problems in the medium and long term", he stated. According to the economist, the weight of the tariff will depend on the companies' ability to find buyers in other countries and reduce dependence on sales to the United States. International competition is a concern File photo of the Viracopos cargo terminal, in Campinas (SP) Aeroportos Brasil Viracopos Another factor considered decisive is the behavior of international competitors. According to Oliveira, the impact on Brazilian exporters will be more intense if similar products, sold by other countries, are not subject to the same charge. The concern occurs because the new charge could reduce the competitiveness of Brazilian products in the American market, encouraging importers to seek alternative suppliers. "Once this tariff is placed, if it is placed only on Brazil and an international competitor does not have tariffs, then we are harmed in a more direct way. Especially if the producer here in Brazil is unable to move what he exported to a third market", he said. The economist highlighted that the tariff will not necessarily affect only Brazilian exporters. According to him, when American companies depend on inputs produced in Brazil, part of the additional cost can be absorbed by buyers in the United States. Surcharges The United States proposal foresees the application of different tariffs on Brazilian products, which may accumulate in some cases. The main measure is the 25% surcharge. In addition to this, an additional fee of 12.5% ??may also apply. Both are based on Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974 and determined by the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR). ? Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974 - This alternative allows you to open investigations into commercial practices considered unfair by other countries. If confirmed, the government can impose tariffs with no limit on value or duration. ?? If both measures are implemented, the surcharge could reach 37.5%. Furthermore, some Brazilian products are already subject to a 10% global tariff, applied based on Section 122 of American trade legislation. In these cases, according to economist Paulo Oliveira, the charges can add up and cause the total tariff to reach 47.5%, depending on the product. ?Section 122 of the Commerce Act - This is one of the quickest options for the government. The law allows tariffs of up to 15% to be applied for a period of up to six months in situations of imbalance in external accounts or risk of dollar devaluation, without the need for formal investigation. Negotiations The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Itamaraty) stated, this Friday (10), that it remains “committed” to negotiations with United States authorities to try to reverse the tariff. The statement was made after entities representing Brazilian and American businesspeople requested that there be a new round of negotiations, and defended that the two countries reach an agreement to avoid the application of the 25% tariff. “We appreciate the suggestions from the private sector and remain committed to negotiation and dialogue with the North American authorities, a dialogue that has lasted a year, in defense of the national interest”, informed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. *Intern under the supervision of Bárbara Camilotti. 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