Brazilian firms tout U.S. plants, leaning into Trump trade wars
Two of Brazil's biggest industrial firms, steelmaker Gerdau and plastics producer Braskem, are already touting their substantial U.S. operations as a hedge against the risk of protectionism from President-elect Donald Trump. Trump has floated the idea of a 10% or higher tariff on all goods imported into the United States, a move he says would eliminate the trade deficit, while threatening a 200% tariff on some imported cars, particularly from Mexico. On calls with investors this week, Gerdau and Braskem were quick to point out that a large chunk of their businesses are located in the United States, positioning them to actually boost profits if those policies take effect.