US Treasury Meeting Canceled Due to Far-Right Pressure, Says Haddad

Brazilian Finance Minister Fernando Haddad revealed that a crucial meeting with US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent was abruptly canceled after far-right factions lobbied against it. The talks, scheduled for Wednesday, were intended to address Trump’s 50% tariffs on Brazilian exports. Haddad accused figures like Eduardo Bolsonaro of actively blocking diplomatic efforts between the two nations.

Haddad described the cancellation as politically motivated, citing Bessent’s earlier social media criticism of Brazil’s Supreme Court. He also dismissed São Paulo Governor Tarcísio de Freitas’ suggestion for Lula to call Trump directly, calling it ’naive’ without proper diplomatic groundwork. The minister emphasized that high-level negotiations require careful preparation to ensure mutual benefits.

In response to the tariffs, Brazil is preparing contingency measures involving financing, tax adjustments, and government procurement policies. Haddad stressed the need to protect Brazilian industries targeted by US trade restrictions, though the canceled meeting has complicated resolution efforts.

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