Import tariffs are a crucial issue for Brazilian companies facing a new commercial landscape following the implementation of tariffs in the United States, ranging from 25% to 37,5%.

This article will explore the impact of these tariffs on various sectors, such as footwear, machinery, and apparel, and how companies are adapting to this new reality.

We will also discuss the strategies being adopted, the pursuit of exemptions, and the growing challenge of international competition, particularly from countries like Indonesia and Cambodia.

The context becomes even more challenging with the uncertainty that permeates foreign trade.

Immediate impact of tariffs ranging from 25% to 37,5% on Brazilian sectors.

The United States tariffs were applied following an investigation under Section 301, which allows the U.S. government to react to trade practices deemed unfair.

As a result, some Brazilian exports began to face a surcharge of 25% , and in some cases, the total burden reached 37,5% , particularly impacting footwear, machinery, and clothing.

Source: G1 and CNN Brazil

In practice, the measure makes Brazilian products more expensive at their destination, reduces profit margins, and forces companies to reconsider contracts that have already been signed.

The immediate impact is both financial and operational.

Cumulative taxation increases costs, reduces predictability, and makes production and shipping planning more difficult.

In addition, there are 1) increased costs, 2) loss of competitiveness, 3) risk of order cancellations, and 4) the need to seek new markets.

Meanwhile, companies like Weg are considering expanding production in Mexico to circumvent some of the tariff effects, while the footwear sector is already revising its projections in the face of competition from countries like Indonesia and Cambodia.

WEG's strategy: expanding production in Mexico.

Weg will accelerate the expansion of its factories in Mexico to circumvent US import tariffs and protect margins in a strategic market.

The company intends to redirect some of the production that would previously have come from Brazil to Mexican facilities, especially in the lines of engines, electrical components, and industrial equipment with greater exposure to the American market.

With this, it seeks to take advantage of the trade agreement between Mexico and EUA, reducing the tariff incidence and the burden of accumulated taxation on Brazilian exports.

This decision is significant because it combines trade defense with operational efficiency, while preserving competitiveness in the face of Asian rivals and American regulatory uncertainty.

Furthermore, the change can generate benefits such as lower logistics costs, shorter delivery times, and greater flexibility to fulfill local orders.

In parallel, Weg is also considering making greater use of its industrial base in EUA, reinforcing a global strategy of distributed production and rapid adaptation to the new tariff scenario.

Review of projections for the footwear sector.

The Brazilian footwear sector has revised its projections and now forecasts a 7,1% drop in exports, pressured by new US tariffs that increase the cost of domestic products and reduce their competitiveness against countries like Indonesia and Cambodia.

According to Abicalçados , the impact goes beyond external shipments, because lower demand forces factories to adjust production, inventories, and costs.

Thus, the effect on employment tends to grow, since the industry operates with tight margins and depends on the volume exported to maintain shifts and contracts.

Source: Abicalçados

The main effects are already appearing in companies' planning.

• suspension of investments
• reduction of shifts
• review of sales targets

Furthermore, part of the sector is seeking new markets and evaluating requests for exemptions, while tariff uncertainty continues to hinder strategic decisions and increase pressure on the production chain.

Political mobilization and requests for exemption

Brazilian companies are intensifying their political mobilization with the USTR , filing petitions through industry associations that detail damage to the production chain, the risk of unemployment, and loss of competitiveness.

Furthermore, they present data on specific inputs, claiming that certain tariffs also affect American manufacturers who depend on these items.

As a result, the argument gains strength when it highlights the impacts on prices, logistics, and existing contracts.

Partial exemptions arise, primarily for products considered strategic or difficult to replace, which opens up room for case-by-case negotiations.

Among the examples already mentioned by the market are industrial components and items of great importance to global supply chains, while others remain subject to accumulated taxation.

Product	Status
Industrial components	Partial exemption
Some agricultural inputs	In analysis

Meanwhile, companies are increasing their political lobbying efforts in Washington to support requests for exemptions and reduce trade uncertainties.

Competition from Indonesia and Cambodia in the North American market.

The growing participation of Indonesia and Cambodia in the North American market exacerbates the pressure on Brazilian exporters because these countries operate with lower costs, competitive delivery times, and tariff advantages that now weigh heavily in the importer's decision.

While Brazil faces surcharges that raise the final price by up to 37,5% in some categories, Asian competitors are entering the market with cheaper and more predictable offers, which is accelerating the migration of orders.

This reduces the space for Brazilian products on store shelves and in long-term negotiations , especially in segments such as footwear, clothing, and manufactured goods.

Furthermore, the logistical agility of these countries and their trade agreements favor faster deliveries and more stable contracts.

As a result, Brazilian companies are losing market share, squeezing margins, and needing to reconsider production, prices, and export destinations.

In this scenario, competition is no longer solely based on price, but also involves time, regulatory security, and preferential access for the American buyer.

Business adaptation and the search for new markets

The trade uncertainty created by the new tariffs EUA It puts pressure on Brazilian companies to act quickly and intelligently.

Thus, many are revising export routes, seeking alternative destinations in Latin America, Africa, and the Middle East, and strengthening regional agreements to reduce costs and dependence on a single buyer.

Furthermore, product differentiation gains importance because items with higher added value, unique design, and energy efficiency are better able to face international competition.

Adaptation ceases to be a reaction and becomes a strategy for survival and growth.

• geographic diversification
• investments in innovation
• renegotiation of contracts
• logistical suitability

In this scenario, companies like Weg are expanding production in Mexico to protect margins and gain flexibility.

Similarly, sectors such as footwear are seeking new markets and advocating for tax exemptions.

Therefore, those who combine business acumen, international presence, and innovation are able to transform external pressure into a competitive advantage.

In summary, import tariffs pose significant challenges to Brazilian exports, forcing companies to adapt and diversify their markets.

The search for solutions, such as expanding production outside of Brazil, will be essential to mitigate the impacts and ensure competitiveness in the global arena.