Tariffs are increasing , and the new trade policy adopted by the government is having significant repercussions on the economy.

With the implementation of tariffs between 10% and 12,5% ​​for more than 80 countries, the stated objective is to combat allegations of forced labor, but the measure also raises concerns about the impact on prices for consumers and businesses.

In this article, we will explore how these tariffs are shaping the economic landscape, their repercussions on product inflation, and their limited effect on reducing the trade deficit.

Furthermore, we will analyze the industry's response and how companies are adapting to this new tariff context.

Fundamentals of the new tariff package

The new tariff package introduced rates ranging from 10% to 12,5% ​​applied to more than 80 countries, using Section 301 of the Trade Act 1974. These tariffs were based on allegations of forced labor, presented as an intention by the government to address ethical and commercial issues.

The economic impact observed so far includes an increase in product prices, affecting both consumers and businesses.

Global reach of the new rates

The new rates are spread across more than 80 countries , with ranges between 10% and 12,5% , affecting economies in Latin America, Europe, Africa, and Asia.

Furthermore, blocs like Canada and Mexico continue to face tariff pressure on parallel fronts, while the European Union is already being considered for new measures.

Even so, the structure maintains the average import tariff of EUA close to 10 %Because surcharges are offset by exceptions and selective application.

Thus, the effect is broad across the commercial geography, but limited in the final average, preserving the logic of high costs for importers and consumers.

Justification: allegations of forced labor

Section 301 of the Commerce Act of 1974 allows... EUA Investigate foreign practices and impose tariffs when it deems there to be a violation of trade standards.

Thus, the fight against forced labor becomes a legal basis for stricter tariffs, because the government frames the conduct as an unfair practice that harms competition.

Furthermore, the 12,5% ​​tariff increases pressure on exporters and signals reputational damage.

As analyses of the new surcharge on show EUA to Brazil, the rhetoric of forced labor It serves as a legal and political basis for restricting imports, although the economic effect tends to be limited.

Impacts on inflation and consumer prices

Tariffs increased product inflation because they raised the cost of inputs, freight, and imported goods, putting pressure on the entire production chain.

Explanatory text groups show that companies pass on part of this cost to the consumer, mainly in physical goods such as electronics, clothing, tools, furniture, and auto parts.

Therefore, the final price goes up even when demand doesn't grow at the same rate.

Furthermore, domestic manufacturers also feel the impact, as they depend on external components and purchase more expensive raw materials.

Explanatory text groups also reveal limited positive effects, such as some temporary protection for specific sectors, but without consistently expanding industrial employment.

At the same time, higher inflation reduces the purchasing power of families and forces adjustments in inventories, margins, and contracts.

As a result, the tariff package puts pressure on the consumer price index and keeps the cost of living high.

Trade deficit and industry: limited results

The tightening of tariffs increased the cost of inputs and made physical goods more expensive, but it did not correct the external imbalance because Brazil maintained production chains dependent on imports and with little rapid substitution.

Thus, even with some adaptation by companies, the dominant effect fell on prices and margins, not on the total volume of trade.

GDP grew by 3,4% in 2024 , but this growth came more from services, consumption, and sectors that are not very sensitive to tariffs.

At the same time, the industry has not gained enough traction to transform protection into sustainable expansion.

Industrial employment remained virtually stable, with no significant net job creation , because firms postponed hiring in the face of uncertainty and cost pressures.

Furthermore, the average tariff of close to 10% limited the shock to the trade balance, while external demand adjusted partially.

Thus, the result was product inflation and occasional productivity gains, but without reducing the trade deficit or reindustrializing the country.

Business costs and adaptation strategies

Brazilian companies report increasing pressure on operating costs and margins because the new tariff package raises the cost of inputs and freight.

According to executives, the bill arrives quickly:

"The impact was felt directly in the price of raw materials and in the cost passed on to the customer."

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Furthermore, another voice from the industry sums up the situation:

"We are reviewing contracts, inventory, and product mix to maintain competitiveness."

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Thus, companies are adopting cost management , renegotiating with suppliers, and focusing more on production efficiency.

They also accelerate business changes to reduce fixed costs and protect cash flow.

• Margin reduction
• Supplier replacement
• Price review

Even with adaptation, many companies are still absorbing some of the shock in order not to lose customers.

Therefore, the most visible effect continues to be the increase in business costs and the search for faster, more flexible, and sustainable strategic solutions.

Additional tariff pressures: Canada and the European Union

U.S. tariff pressures have intensified on Canada with new tariffs on steel, aluminum, copper, and other sensitive goods, raising costs for already strained industrial supply chains.

According to the BBC's analysis of the tariffs on Canada , Washington has begun combining trade retaliation with justifications of security and protection of domestic production, which increases uncertainty for exporters and importers.

American authorities argue that the measure responds to practices considered unfair , but the immediate effect falls on consumer prices and business margins.

"Tariffs raise costs and reorganize trade, but they alone will not solve the deficit."

At the same time, the discussion about tariffs against the European Union is growing, amid geopolitical tensions and the dispute over strategic supply chains.

European diplomats warn of the risk of reciprocal escalation , as new barriers could increase the cost of inputs, curb investment, and reduce regulatory predictability.

Still, companies are adapting, redirecting purchases, and absorbing some of the shock.

"The macroeconomic impact tends to be limited, but the prices of physical goods are already feeling the pressure."

Ultimately, the increased tariffs, while intended to combat unfair trade practices, have not produced the expected results for the domestic industry and continue to put upward pressure on prices.

The evolution of this fiscal policy deserves continuous attention in order to assess its real effects on the economy.