Brazil's trade deficit with the United States: an unequal relationship: Despite being one of the largest economies in Latin America, Brazil maintains an unbalanced trade balance with the United States. According to data released by O Globo, in 2024 Brazil imported about $ 44 billion in American products, while Brazilian exports to the US added only $ 42 billion. That is, the country closed the year with a commercial deficit of approximately $ 2 billion. This result puts Brazil among the few business partners that maintain an unfavorable relationship with the United States. In practical terms, it means that Brazil buys more than it can sell to the US market, something that aggravates external dependence and reduces the competitiveness of national industry. In addition, the deficit occurs even in sectors where Brazil has export tradition, such as agribusiness and mining. Factors such as technical barriers, sanitary requirements and, especially, Trump's tariff wars...
President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva will make an official visit to France from June 4 to 9. This will be the first state visit by a Brazilian head of government to the country in over a decade, symbolizing the strengthening of bilateral relations. The agenda includes meetings with President Emmanuel Macron, high-level meetings, cultural events, solemn ceremonies and debates on the economy, defense and global issues.
The official reception will take place at the traditional Courtyard of Honor of the Invalides in Paris, followed by a meeting at the Elysee Palace, where agreements will be signed between the delegations. In addition to bilateral discussions, the leaders will also address international issues such as the reform of global governance, the fight against extremism and preparations for COP 30, which will be hosted by Brazil.
During his stay, Lula will be awarded an honorary doctorate by the University of Paris 8, recognized for its commitment to the democratization of education and its ties to social and cultural movements since its founding, following the protests of 1968.
In the cultural field, a joint visit by Lula and Macron is planned to the exhibition “Year of Brazil in France”, part of the Expo France 2025 program, at the Grand Palais. The exhibition features works by Brazilian artists, such as Ernesto Neto, and aims to strengthen cultural ties between the countries. This initiative resumes the cultural exchanges of 2005 and 2009, with activities planned in more than 50 French cities until September.
Lula will also be honored by the French Academy, a historic institution that, in almost four centuries, has paid tribute to only 19 heads of state, including Emperor Dom Pedro II in 1872.
In the economic area, the president will participate in the Brazil-France Economic Forum, a space that brings together business leaders and government representatives to discuss innovation, investments, infrastructure and energy transition. The event has been held since 2013, alternating between the two countries.
In Toulon, on the 7th, Lula and Macron will visit the French Navy's naval base, reinforcing the strategic alliance in defense and security. On the 8th, Lula will travel to Monaco to discuss the blue economy and financing for ocean conservation. The following day, in Nice, he will participate in the Third UN Conference on the Oceans, highlighting Brazil's role in maritime preservation and anticipating the agenda of COP 30.
Brazil will hold parallel panels on climate change and ocean culture, with support from UNESCO. There will also be an event on food security and sustainable marine food systems, demonstrating Brazil's commitment to ecological and educational practices.
The Strategic Partnership between Brazil and France, signed in 2006 and renewed in 2024 during Macron's visit to Brazil, encompasses cooperation in areas such as defense, science, the environment, and education. Prosub, a bilateral submarine project, is the largest in the history of Brazilian defense with international cooperation, and aims to develop autonomy in naval technology.
France and Brazil also maintain strong trade and investment ties. In 2024, bilateral exchange reached US$9.1 billion. France is the third largest direct investor in Brazil, with a stock of over US$66 billion.
During the visit, around 20 international events are planned, including agreements in the areas of energy, health, technology, and security. Highlights include the possible creation of a low-carbon maritime corridor and new cooperation programs between universities and research centers. The strengthening of vaccine production in partnership with Fiocruz and the Pasteur Institute is also under study. Another point will be the launch of a collaboration initiative in advanced technologies, such as artificial intelligence and semiconductors.
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