Brazil Roundup: Cabinet changes and dismissals, economic growth, tilapia fish imports

Brazil lifts suspension on Vietnamese tilapia fish imports

Brazil has lifted a temporary ban on tilapia fish imports from Việt Nam, months after suspending them over concerns about the TiLV virus. According to VietNam News, the Brazilian Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock said the risk of infection from Vietnamese tilapia fillets is negligible, following a risk analysis prompted by local industry concerns. The decision was made public in the official gazette and aligns with international health standards.

Brazil and US are negotiating the terms of understanding on tariffs

Brazil and the United States are in talks over tariffs, according to Brazilian Finance Minister Fernando Haddad. Speaking in Los Angeles, Haddad said he raised concerns about trade deficits in South America during a meeting with U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, following new U.S. import tariffs announced last month. He described the discussions as constructive and ongoing, according to Reuters. 

Brazil’s economy can grow 3% annually

Brazil’s Finance Minister Fernando Haddad says the country can grow by an average of 3% a year, aligning with President Lula’s economic goals, Reuters reports. Speaking in Los Angeles, Haddad promoted a clean energy data centre policy to attract U.S. investment and said Brazil aims to strengthen ties with the Trump-led administration. 

Lula reaches 12 cabinet changes amid latest dismissals

Brazil’s President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has made two more cabinet changes, bringing the total to 12 since the start of his current term. Carlos Lupi resigned from the Social Security Ministry after a scandal, while Cida Gonçalves was removed from the Women’s Ministry. According to Guia da Folha, Lula has replaced ministers over corruption allegations, performance issues, and political realignment efforts. 

Mercosur-EU trade deal could boost Brazil exports of 180 products

Brazil could boost exports of up to 180 products to five EU countries if the long-delayed Mercosur-EU trade deal is ratified, a government agency has said. The Trade and Investment Promotion Agency (ApexBrasil) said the gains would mainly come from agricultural and industrial goods, while separate global trade tensions could also open new opportunities for Brazilian crude oil and other exports.