Brazil’s President Lula is visiting Japan with a business delegation to enhance trade ties amidst U.S. tariffs. He will discuss joint biofuel development and reaffirm commitments to free trade with Japanese PM Shigeru Ishiba. An apology for past mistreatment of Japanese immigrants further highlights the trip’s importance.

During his four-day state visit to Japan, Brazil’s President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva aims to strengthen trade relationships amid increasing tariffs from the United States. Accompanied by a business delegation of 100 members, Lula intends to engage in discussions with Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba regarding joint biofuel development ahead of the COP30 UN climate summit. Both leaders are poised to reaffirm their commitment to free trade despite rising protectionist tendencies globally.

Lula criticized the global shift towards protectionism, stating, “Everyone who was talking about free trade is now practising protectionism,” expressing concerns over its implications, particularly for Brazil, the second-largest steel exporter to the U.S. The upcoming talks may include plans for regular visits between the two leaders and a strategic dialogue focusing on security and international cooperation, highlighting the significance of a rules-based international order.

A ceremonial welcome awaits Lula at Tokyo’s Imperial Palace, followed by a state banquet, marking his third presidential visit to Japan. Lula’s goal includes boosting Brazilian exports to Japan, ranging from agricultural products like beef to aviation goods. Although China remains Brazil’s most significant trading partner, Japan is a critical player as well, currently ranking as Brazil’s 11th largest trading partner.

Experts highlight Brazil’s growing reliance on China for commerce, as recent U.S. tariffs have prompted concerns over Brazil’s vulnerability to changes in international trade dynamics. Attempts to diversify trade partnerships face challenges due to Brazil’s ongoing structural trade dependence on China. Japan may seek to strengthen ties with Brazil to prevent the latter from forging closer ties with China and Russia, members of the BRICS coalition.

In a historical context, Brazil acknowledged its complex relationship with Japan by issuing a formal apology for past persecutions against Japanese immigrants during and after World War II. Lula remarked, “An apology is the least we can do to acknowledge our mistakes in the past” as he embarks on this diplomatic visit, reflecting on the deep-rooted cultural ties between the two nations.

The state visit by President Lula underscores Brazil’s intention to diversify its trade relationships in light of U.S. tariffs and the global trend towards protectionism. With plans for enhanced cooperation on biofuels and regular high-level dialogues, Brazil and Japan aim to fortify their bilateral trade. Moreover, Brazil’s historical apology to the Japanese community further reinforces the importance of cultural ties while acknowledging past injustices. The road ahead for Brazil’s trade diversification appears to be challenging, particularly with its structural dependence on China.

Original Source: www.bryantimes.com

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