'Diplomacia de mafiosos', avalia Rubens Ricupero sobre tarifaço de Trump | Jornal Gente

Summary

In an interview with Canal Livre, former Finance Minister Rubens Recupero discusses the recent tariff increase, comparing the Trump administration's approach to 'mobster diplomacy.' He emphasizes the need for Brazil to invest in its industry to stimulate growth, highlighting how the U.S. market is less critical to Brazil than China. Recupero argues that the country must increase investments, which have remained low for decades, partly due to high interest rates and the heavy burden of social programs. He also stresses the importance of aligning with the American private sector to influence policy decisions.

Takeaways

• 😀 Former Finance Minister Rubens Recúpero discussed the recent tariff increases and the relationship between Brazil and the United States.
• 😀 Rubens Recúpero emphasized that he has never seen a situation like this in the 200-year history of Brazil-US relations.
• 😀 Recúpero compared the Trump administration's foreign policy approach to 'mobster diplomacy,' suggesting that Trump's tactics are not about solving problems, but extending deadlines.
• 😀 The key to dealing with Trump’s policies, according to Recúpero, is using the 20-day extension to explore all diplomatic, congressional, and private sector avenues.
• 😀 Recúpero highlighted that the 'most sensitive part' of the US is the economic interest of its businessmen, which can be leveraged to influence policy.
• 😀 The private sector has previously influenced US policy in cases of tariff increases, such as in the automobile and cell phone industries.
• 😀 Brazil's advantage in trade lies in being less dependent on the US market, with China now being its largest trading partner.
• 😀 The US is Brazil's second-largest trading partner, but it buys specific products that China does not purchase.
• 😀 Recúpero stressed that Brazil needs to invest more in its own industry to return to economic growth.
• 😀 Brazil’s investment rate is low, with less than 17% of its GDP being invested, hindering long-term growth and progress.

Q & A

What was Rubens Recupero's role between 1991 and 1993?

Rubens Recupero served as Brazil's ambassador to the United States between 1991 and 1993.

How does Rubens Recupero describe the Trump administration's approach to diplomacy?

Rubens Recupero compares the Trump administration's approach to diplomacy to 'mobster diplomacy,' suggesting that it is more about extending deadlines than solving problems.

What is the key diplomatic strategy Recupero suggests in dealing with Trump?

Recupero advises that Brazil should take advantage of extended deadlines to explore all possible diplomatic, congressional, and private sector avenues, particularly engaging with American businessmen.

What is the significance of 'the most sensitive part of the body' in the context of Trump's diplomacy?

Recupero refers to the American saying 'the most sensitive part of the body is the pocket,' emphasizing that Trump is sensitive to business interests and that engaging American businessmen could be crucial in influencing policy.

Has the private sector influenced Trump's decisions before?

Yes, Rubens Recupero cites previous instances, such as the automobile and cell phone industries, where the American private sector pressured Trump to reconsider tariff increases.

What is Brazil's position in terms of trade relations with the United States and China?

Brazil's largest trading partner is China, followed by the United States, which purchases specific products that China does not buy, though Brazil is less dependent on the U.S. market.

What does Rubens Recupero believe Brazil needs to do to return to economic growth?

Recupero stresses that Brazil must invest more in its industry to revive economic growth, pointing out that Brazil hasn't experienced significant growth since the 1980s.

Why does Rubens Recupero argue that Brazil has not been investing enough?

Recupero explains that private investors are deterred by high interest rates (15% Selic rate), and the government lacks funds for investment due to the strain of extensive social programs.

What is the current state of Brazil's economic growth according to Rubens Recupero?

Recupero describes Brazil's economic growth as stagnant, likening it to 'chicken flight,' implying that there has been minimal progress since the 1980s.

How does the current investment rate in Brazil compare to its GDP?

Recupero points out that Brazil invests less than 17% of its GDP, which is insufficient for sustainable economic growth.