The Difficulties Facing Brazil's New Export Plan

Following her Jan. 1 inauguration, Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff appointed a new economic team. Among other goals, Rousseff has prioritized the expansion of the country's export market. Brazil's economic growth is slowing as commodity prices fall and exports to major markets in China and Argentina decrease. To offset these declines, Brazil hopes to increase trade relations with the United States, EU member states and the countries of the Pacific Alliance. Each of these areas targeted for trade expansion, however, will present challenges for Brazil's strategy.