Trump's tariff hike on Brazilian products Is topic of debate at the Summit Porto-Indústria

Industry relies on ports to export its production abroad, as is the case with pulp (Alexsander Ferraz/AT)

What is the impact on Brazilian industry of the 50% tariff hike that United States President Donald Trump will impose on products exported from Brazil starting this Friday? This is one of the key questions to be addressed during the discussions at the Summit Porto-Indústria 2025, organized by Grupo Tribuna this Wednesday (30th), starting at 2:00 PM, at its auditorium (Rua João Pessoa, 350, Paquetá, Santos).

The technical debate is expected to last until late afternoon, with the participation of subject-matter experts, business leaders, and public authorities. Participation is sold out due to the event’s full capacity.

In addition to outlining the tariff scenario, the event will explore the national and global geopolitical landscape and how the relationship between ports and Brazilian industry is evolving. The mayors of Santos, Rogério Santos (Republicanos), Guarujá, Farid Madi (Podemos), and Cubatão, Cesar Nascimento (PSD), have confirmed their attendance to speak on the importance of port-industry integration for the regional economy.

Cabotage Taking advantage of the recent presidential decree regulating the Brazilian Cabotage Incentive Program (Federal Law 14.301/2022), also known as BR do Mar, the Summit Porto-Indústria will feature experts explaining how coastal shipping within Brazil can benefit industry. Among the speakers is Dino Batista, the National Secretary for Waterways and Navigation at the Ministry of Ports and Airports (MPor).

New wave Latin America's port sector is expected to undergo a new wave of terminal concessions in the coming years. The topic, discussed last month at AAPA Latam 2025 in Peru, is considered crucial for the future of maritime infrastructure in the region.

It is expected that over the next 15 years, nearly 40% of port concessions in Latin America will expire, requiring action to secure new investments. The subject will also be addressed at today’s Summit Porto-Indústria , during a panel featuring representatives from both the public and private sectors.

Format The event adopts a diverse and innovative format, with lectures interspersed with Tribuna Talks, featuring renowned economist Gesner Oliveira, and a debate panel.

Demetrio Amono, Commercial Director at Grupo Tribuna, explains that the Summit Porto-Indústria is a traditional and significant event for the sector, considered an ideal environment to foster industrial expansion in the region. He adds that the event highlights the main barriers that need to be addressed to make such growth effective.

"As in previous years, the event will give voice to the industry's pain points. After all, without cargo, there is no port. It is essential that we discuss these issues regarding access, infrastructure, and capacity", Amono explains.

Tariff hike The Commercial Director also emphasizes the debate on the U.S. tariff hike. "We couldn’t leave out this topic, which has dominated discussions and is about to come into effect. We believe it is important to bring in experts to outline a perspective on this scenario, the reasons behind the tariff hike, and the consequences we can expect in the short, medium, and long term."

Program

2:00 PM – Opening with mayors Rogério Santos (Santos), Cesar Nascimento (Cubatão), and Farid Madi (Guarujá)

2:20 PM – Lecture: How BR do Mar and Cabotage Can Boost National Industry and Ports Speakers : Fabiano Lorenzi (CEO of Norcoast) and Dino Batista (National Secretary for Waterways and Navigation)

2:40 PM – Lecture: Logistics Arrangements to Strengthen the Industry-Port Relationship Speaker : Washington Flores (CEO of Bandeirantes Deicmar)

3:00 PM – Tribuna Talks: Tariff Hike – Economy, Industry, and Ports: Geopolitical Outlook, Challenges, New Demands, and Opportunities Guests : Gesner Oliveira (Economist) and Maxwell Rodrigues (Port Affairs Consultant at Grupo Tribuna)

3:40 PM – Lecture: Geopolitical Landscape and Its Impact on Ports and National Industry Speaker : Fabiano de Menezes (Coordinator of the International Relations Program at Unisantos)

4:00 PM – Coffee Break

4:20 PM – Panel: Second Wave of Port Concessions – Lack of Infrastructure, Tariff War, and Appropriate Public Policies

Participants :

Thaís Margarido (Secretary of Economic and Port Development of Guarujá) Marcelo Patrício (Executive Operations Manager at Santos Brasil) Fabrício Lopes (Secretary of Industry, Port, Employment, and Entrepreneurship of Cubatão) Kauan Torci (Head of Port Operations at Citrosuco) Luiz Araujo (Executive Director at Ecoporto) Eduardo Heron (Technical Director at Cecafé) Bruno Orlandi (Secretary of Port Affairs and Employment of Santos)