Brazilian Ambassador admits problems in trade with Russia due to the United States

Brazil and Russia are facing trade problems due to ongoing Western sanctions, but trade between the two countries continues to grow. Brazilian Ambassador to Russia Sergio Rodriguez dos Santos said this on Friday, June 5, on the sidelines of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF).

According to him, in 2024, the bilateral trade turnover reached a record volume of $12.4 billion.

"But this does not mean that there are no problems related to sanctions. For example, there are difficulties with payment methods. The governments of both countries discussed ways to solve these problems," the diplomat said in an interview. Lenta.Ru .

In addition, Rodriguez dos Santos clarified that some of the problems in trade are caused by structural problems. He attributed to them Brazil's high budget deficit and the concentration of trade on a narrow range of low-value-added goods. The Ambassador added that the republic's authorities intend to eliminate these obstacles.

Earlier, Pavel Cardoso, chairman of the Brazil-Russia Business Council and president of the Brazilian Coffee Industry Association, said that the authorities of the two countries were working on measures to counter Western sanctions. In particular, he pointed to the personal roles of Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin and Brazilian Vice President Geraldo Alckmin.

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The day before, Russian President Vladimir Putin, at a meeting with the heads of international news agencies, recalled that BRICS was "born" in St. Petersburg. The Head of State recalled that he had offered to meet with the head of China and the head of the Indian government. After the trilateral meeting, the RIC emerged — Russia, India, and China.

According to Putin, the participants of the meeting were able to find common topics for interaction and build a dialogue on issues of mutual interest. Subsequently, Brazil joined the format.

Earlier, on June 3, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said that Russia and Brazil are opposed to barriers and the formation of closed interest zones, RT reports. According to him, Russian-Brazilian multifaceted cooperation has always been constructive and mutually beneficial.

Mishustin, in turn, said in February that relations between Russia and Brazil have enormous potential for developing relations. 360.ru .