The “Declaration of Economic Independence”, announced by President Donald Trump in April, marked a new phase in the global protectionist escalation. By imposing a 10% base tariff on all American imports with surcharges reaching 44% for countries such as China and Taiwan 'the US has profoundly altered global technological supply chains.At the center of this geoeconomic reordering, Brazil faces a paradox: unprecedented challenges, but also strategic opportunities.
Although the country has been subjected only to the minimum tariff of 10%, the consequences are not trivial. Brazilian technology importers face immediate increases in the costs of acquiring US equipment, in addition to suffering indirect effects 'OZ since many products include components of severely tariffed countries. The Brazilian tax structure aggravates this scenario, creating a ripple effect that can raise in more than 70% the final cost of certain technological devices.
Sectors such as hardware, IT infrastructure and cloud services feel differentiated pressures. While multinationals deal with squeezed margins or rising prices, domestic manufacturers gain relative competitiveness and opportunities to provide more affordable solutions in the face of global uncertainty.
High on cyber attacks
But the risks are not only economic, since the environment of commercial instability favors the growth of digital threats, according to NSFOCUS, a global reference in cybersecurity. The relationship between economic sanctions and increased hacker activity is well documented DO and is already beginning to manifest.
Organizations operating critical infrastructure, such as hospitals, power grids and transportation, are forced to replace suppliers and redesign their technological ecosystems quickly. This transition, made under pressure, opens gaps for cyberattacks.The cost of adaptation can come not only in figures, but in vulnerabilities exploited by cybercriminals.
Paths to Brazil
In this new global scenario, the Brazilian technology sector needs to act quickly and intelligently. Some key measures include:
- Review supply chains: Identify critical dependencies of suppliers located in highly-tariffed countries.
- Encouraging selective nationalisation: Search for local or regional alternatives for strategic components.
- Redouble cybersecurity: Invest in robust digital protection practices, especially in key industries.
- Monitor the diplomatic and tariff scenario: Adjust strategic decisions based on the evolution of international negotiations.
- Reassess inventories and price policies: Minimize immediate impacts and prevent supply disruptions.
Between risk and opportunity, Brazil may emerge more competitive on some fronts, especially in American markets that once relied heavily on China. However, this will require overcoming logistical, fiscal and technological obstacles, amid the historic windows open to anyone who wants to act with strategy.
