This story was corrected on April 7. The headline now reads “U.S. Chamber of Commerce” and not “U.S. Commerce official”.

Ana Mano

SAO PAULO, Reuters – It is too late for the Biden administration to build a lasting alliance with Brazil. This was stated by Myron Brilliant (the head of international affairs at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce), during a Thursday press conference held in Sao Paulo.

He said that he didn’t believe the Biden administration was doing enough to concentrate on the region, referring to the ninth-largest economy in the world. Part of this reason could be attributed to the U.S. domestic agenda.

Brilliant explained that there is not enough U.S. involvement in Latin America, and therefore “opportunities (nor are they) developed” or “a long-term strategic planning in the manner we hope.”

Brazil’s absence from the U.S. opened the door for the other countries to communicate and conduct business.

Brilliant explained that the most notable change in recent years has been the rise of Chinese engagement and investment in the region. We are also witnessing Russian engagement. “We would also say that U.S. must be there.”

Brazil is second in importance to the U.S. as a trade partner after China. Brazil is in a different situation. It has a surplus trade with Asia, while it suffers a deficit trade with the U.S.

Brazil and America are competitors in the export of commodities such as corn, soy and meat.

According to Brazilian government data, Brazil had a $3.8B trade deficit with America and a $4.7B surplus with China in the first quarter.

Data showed that Brazil was able to export approximately 11% more than the United States, while China was close to 28%.

Brilliant declared, “Defining trade according to deficit and surplus would be a mistake.” It is important for all of us to maintain a level playing surface.”