Abit joins CNI delegation to the United States

The Brazilian Textile and Apparel Industry Association (Abit) participated in the trade mission organized by the National Confederation of Industry (CNI) to Washington, DC, in the United States, on September 3–4. The delegation also included leaders from associations in various sectors—machinery and equipment (Abimaq), aluminum (Abal), meat (Abiec), wood (Abimci), coffee (Cecafé), tools (ABFA), ceramics (Anfacer), stone (CentroRochas), leather (CICB), among others—as well as the state industry federations of São Paulo (Fiesp), Goiás (Fieg), and Santa Catarina (Fiesc), in addition to companies.

The purpose of the initiative was to expand dialogue with the US government and the manufacturing sector in light of the challenges posed by the 50% tax on Brazilian exports and ongoing investigations under Section 301 of the US Trade Act.

The delegation members took part in bilateral meetings to discuss trade relations in the context of tariffs and operational strategies. They met with government officials, including Assistant Secretary of the State Department Christopher Landau and Undersecretary of Commerce for Industry and Security Jeffrey Kessler, members of parliament, and the Brazilian Ambassador to the United States, Maria Cecília Ribeiro Viotti.

Ambassador Roberto Azevêdo, CNI’s consultant for the negotiations, met with the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR), the government agency responsible for developing and implementing foreign trade policy. Azevêdo also represented the institution at the USTR public hearing investigating Brazil’s trade practices under Section 301 of the US Trade Act.

“The mission continues. We have carried out business diplomacy work, which consists of facilitating negotiations, whether to reduce tariffs, expand the list of exceptions, or even create opportunities,” said CNI President Ricardo Alban.

Abit also took the opportunity to meet with its counterparts in the United States — NCTO (National Council of Textile Organizations) and AAFA (American Apparel & Footwear Association) — to discuss topics of common interest.