Story perspectives

China, Brazil Accelerate Mercosur Deal, Visa Waiver Amid US Tariffs

7/28/2026

Summary

China Boosts Trade

President Xi Jinping told President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva that Brazil and China will speed up talks on a China-Mercosur trade deal.
President Xi Jinping said China supports Brazil in rejecting external interference and will deepen coordination.
The two nations pledged AI, satellite and fertilizer cooperation and introduced a visa-waiver to boost tourism.
The United States announced a 12.5 percent levy on Brazil and 59 partners for alleged forced-labour failures.

Summary

Brazil Expands Trade

Brazil’s trade with China hit $187.987 billion in 2025 and rose nearly 30 percent in half of 2026, offsetting a 25 percent U.S. tariff on Brazilian products.
Brazilian officials denied visas to U.S. State Department officials Riley M. Barnes and Samuel Samson, citing concerns they could aid actors questioning Brazil’s October 4 presidential election.
Political scientists Leonardo Trevisan and analyst Zhou Zhiwei say China-Brazil ties could diversify Brazil’s exports and ease U.S. protectionist pressure.

History

Historical Context

Brazil and the People’s Republic of China established formal diplomatic ties in August 1974, followed by a 1978 trade pact that opened energy, agricultural and raw-material exchanges. Trade surged to about $80 billion by 2014, making China Brazil’s top partner in 2009. As BRICS members with deepening economic links, their relationship underpins proposals for a China-Mercosur framework.

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China Boosts Trade

President Xi Jinping told President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva that Brazil and China will speed up talks on a China-Mercosur trade deal.
President Xi Jinping said China supports Brazil in rejecting external interference and will deepen coordination.
The two nations pledged AI, satellite and fertilizer cooperation and introduced a visa-waiver to boost tourism.
The United States announced a 12.5 percent levy on Brazil and 59 partners for alleged forced-labour failures.

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