Photo: screengrab from the official website of Brasil 247

By Brasil 247 — The Brazilian government and private sector are organizing an official trade mission to Mexico next week aimed at expanding markets and strengthening bilateral economic ties. Scheduled for August 26-28, the mission will be the first concrete initiative with Mexico following US' newly imposed tariffs on Brazilian goods, columnist Jamil Chade reported for UOL on Sunday.

The delegation will be led by Vice President Geraldo Alckmin, who also serves as Minister of Development, Industry, and Foreign Trade. It will include 90 Brazilian companies—a strong turnout, according to organizers, given that registration was filled within just three days. The initiative is jointly coordinated by ApexBrasil, the Foreign Ministry (Itamaraty), and the Ministry of Development, Industry and Trade (MDIC).

Responding to US Tariffs

According to ApexBrasil, the large private-sector participation reflects the immediate impact of US' trade measures.

"The tariffs are pushing Brazil's productive sector to seek alternative markets beyond the United States," the export promotion agency stated.

The program includes a business seminar, sectoral meetings, and technical visits to strategic industries such as food and beverages, aerospace, technology, energy transition, and healthcare.

Growing Bilateral Trade

Trade between Brazil and Mexico exceeded $12 billion in 2024, making Mexico the second-largest destination for Brazilian exports in Latin America.

Beef exports have been a key driver of growth. After Mexico opened its market in 2024, Brazilian beef shipments expanded by more than 800% in just one year. In the first half of 2025 alone, exports jumped from 3,000 to 16,000 tons.

Lula and Sheinbaum Align Agendas

The trade mission also reflects recent political coordination. In July, Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva spoke by phone with Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, stressing the importance of strengthening commercial relations at a time of "global uncertainty."

Beyond market access, Brazil is expected to revive long-pending talks to expand a trade agreement with Mexico—negotiations that have been underway for years but without concrete progress.

(Reported by Brasil 247 on August 17, 2025)