Brazil Fish Sector Seeks Credit Amid US Tariff; Bolsonaro Under Scrutiny, Seeks Amnesty
Key Takeaways
- Brazilian fish sector seeks R$900M credit amid 50% US tariff, facing working capital crisis.
- Bolsonaro faces STF scrutiny for ankle monitor display, seeks amnesty for January 8 rioters.
- Lula government released R$20.6B from 2025 budget due to increased revenue estimates.
- Brazil prepares arguments against USTR probe, defends Pix's competitiveness and social inclusion.
- Brazil establishes tax advisory office in Beijing to boost trade and customs cooperation.
Top Stories
Brazilian fish sector seeks R$900M credit amid 50% US tariff.
On July 22, 2025, Abipesca requested the Brazilian government release R$ 900 million in emergency credit due to the 50% US tariff on Brazilian fish exports, which are facing a severe working capital crisis.
Bolsonaro faces scrutiny for ankle monitor display, seeks amnesty.
In July 2025, Jair Bolsonaro's public display of his electronic ankle monitor led to STF scrutiny, while his defense sought clarification on precautionary measures. He is pushing for amnesty for those convicted of attacks on the Three Powers.
Deputy requests session for amnesty, impeachment law changes after Bolsonaro measures.
Deputy Caroline De Toni requested an extraordinary session to address amnesty for those involved in the January 8, 2023, anti-democratic acts and changes to the Impeachment Law, following precautionary measures against Jair Bolsonaro.
Lula government releases R$20.6B from 2025 budget due to revenue increase.
On July 22, 2025, the Lula government released R$20.6 billion from the 2025 budget due to increased revenue estimates, reducing the budget freeze from R$ 31.3 billion to R$ 10.7 billion.
Brazil prepares arguments against USTR probe, defends Pix's competitiveness.
In July 2025, the Brazilian government is preparing arguments against the USTR's investigation, claiming domestic policies harm American tech companies and defending Pix as competitive and promoting social inclusion.
Cultural Scene
Rio creates 'Circuito de Blocos' honoring Preta Gil's carnaval legacy.
Rio de Janeiro Mayor Eduardo Paes created the "Circuito de Blocos de Carnaval de Rua Preta Gil" to honor Preta Gil's contribution to street carnaval after her passing due to intestinal cancer.
Economic Watch
Operation Route 156 probes R$60M fraud in Amapá road contracts.
On July 22, 2025, Operation Route 156 investigated Breno Chaves Pinto for alleged fraud in DNIT contracts in Amapá related to BR-156, totaling at least R$ 60 million, with R$ 8.06 million in assets blocked.
Krugman praises Brazil's Pix system for efficiency, low costs.
On July 22, 2025, Paul Krugman lauded Brazil's Pix payment system for its efficiency and widespread use (93% of Brazilian adults), contrasting it with the US system.
Dollar falls 0.4% amid tariff tensions; insider trading probe.
On July 21, 2025, the dollar fell 0.4% against the Brazilian real to R$ 5.5651, amid tensions over tariffs, with an investigation into suspected insider trading before the tariff announcement.
ABDI president calls Trump's tariffs an attack on Brazilian sovereignty.
On July 21, 2025, Ricardo Cappelli, president of ABDI, criticized Donald Trump's tariffs as an aggression against Brazilian sovereignty, estimating a 0.3% impact on Brazil's GDP.
Alckmin meets with US big techs, EU on tariffs, Mercosul agreement.
On July 21, 2025, acting president Geraldo Alckmin met with U.S. big techs to discuss tariffs and with the EU Trade Committee to discuss commercial cooperation, with the Mercosul-EU agreement expected by the end of 2025.
Political Pulse
Debate over Câmara President's ban on committee meetings during recess.
On July 22, 2025, Câmara dos Deputados President Hugo Motta's decision to prohibit committee meetings during the recess sparked debate, preventing motions of support for ex-President Jair Bolsonaro.
Survey: 51% disapprove of Congress; 82% see corruption in amendments.
A Genial/Quaest survey from July 10-14, 2025, revealed 51% disapproval of the National Congress and that 82% of respondents believe parliamentary amendments, totaling R$ 50.4 billion in 2025, are targets of corruption.
Bolsonaristas react to STF; tariff manipulation probe; contingency plan.
This story summarizes reactions to STF decisions, an investigation into possible market manipulation involving tariffs, and Fernando Haddad's plan for Trump's tariff announcement.
STJ leadership issues manifesto supporting STF, rejecting political interference.
On July 22, 2025, the STJ leadership issued a manifesto supporting the STF and rejecting political interference, following U.S. visa suspensions for STF ministers.
Left-leaning expressions dominate Twitter after measures against Bolsonaro.
Following measures against Bolsonaro, left-leaning expressions dominated trending topics on X (Twitter) between July 21 and July 22, 2025, with terms like 'Chuva de Lula' gaining prominence.
Lula government releases R$4.7B in blocked parliamentary amendments.
On July 22, 2025, the Lula government released R$4.7 billion in blocked parliamentary amendments for 2025, enabled by extra revenue from pre-salt oil auctions and higher IOF rates.
Eduardo Bolsonaro criticizes senators' tariff negotiation with the U.S..
Eduardo Bolsonaro criticized Brazilian senators' initiative to negotiate the 50% tariff imposed by the U.S. on Brazilian products, calling their trip to the U.S. a 'disrespect' to President Donald Trump.
Social Beat
MDA refutes claims of slowdown in agrarian reform, targets 30,000 lots.
In July 2025, the Ministry of Agrarian Development (MDA) addressed the Landless Workers' Movement (MST)'s concerns, stating that the goal is to create 30,000 new lots by the end of 2025 and 60,000 by the end of Lula's term.