WT/TPR/M/283  
17 September 2013  
(00-0000)  Page: 1/60  
Trade Policy Review Body  
24 and 26 June 2013   
 
TRADE POLICY REVIEW 
BRAZIL 
DRAFT  RECORD OF MEETING 
Chairperson:  H.E. Mr. Joakim Reiter (Sweden) 
 
 
Page 
1   INTRODUCTORY REMARK S BY THE CHAI RPERSON ...................................................... 2  
2   OPENING STATEMENT BY THE REPRESENTATIVE OF BRAZIL ...................................... 3  
3   STATEMENT BY THE DISCU SSANT ............................................................................... 7  
4   STATEMENTS BY MEMBERS........................................................................................ 10  
5   REPLIES BY THE REPRESENTATIVE OF BRAZIL AND ADDITIONAL COMMENTS .......... 22  
6   CONCLUDING REMARKS BY THE CHAIRPERSON ........................................................ 58  
 
 
Note: Advance written questions by WTO Members and the replies provided by Brazil are 
reproduced in document WT/TPR/M/283/Add.1 and will be available online at 
http://www.wto.org/english/tr atop_e/tpr_e/tp_rep_e.htm. WT/TPR/M/283 • Brazil 
 
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  1  INTRODUCTORY REMARKS BY THE CHAIRPERSON 
1.1.  The sixth Trade Policy Review of Brazil was held on 24 and 26 June 2013. The Chairperson 
H . E .  M r .  J o a k i m  R e i t e r  ( S w e d e n )  w e l c o m e d  t h e  d e l e g a t i o n  o f  B r a z i l  h e a d e d  b y  M i n i s t e r  P a u l o  Estivallet de Mesquita, Director-General of the Ec onomic Department at the Brazilian Ministry of 
External Relations; the rest of the delegation from Brasilia; the Minister-Counsellor Marcia Donner 
Abreu, and colleagues from the mission in Geneva; and the discussant, H.E. Mr. CHOI Seokyoung (Republic of Korea). 
1.2.  The Chairperson recalled the purpose of th e Trade Policy Reviews and the main elements of 
the procedures for the meeting. The report by Brazil was contained in document WT/TPR/G/283 and that of the WTO Secretariat in WT/TPR/S/283. 
1.3.  Questions by the following 26 delegations had been submitted in writing at least two weeks 
in advance and had been transmitted to the delegati on of Brazil: United States; El Salvador; Hong 
Kong, China; Pakistan; Australia; New Zealand; Chinese Taipei; Switzerland; Paraguay; Singapore; China; Chile; Costa Rica; Ukraine; Indonesia; Japan; Mexico; European Union; South 
Africa; Canada; Dominican Republic; Republic of Korea; Colombia; Argentina; Norway; and Peru. 
The following six delegations submitted written questions after the two week deadline: Turkey; 
India; Russian Federation; Malaysia; Thailand; and Ecuador. 
1.4.  During its fifth trade policy review in 2009, Brazil was praised for its sound macroeconomic 
policies. Members acknowledged that Brazil's good  economic performance had been linked to the 
expansion and diversification of trade, and to Brazil's liberalization efforts. While it was noted that growth was slowing down amidst the global econ omic turmoil, it was the Members' sense that 
Brazil would weather the crisis better than most. Brazil was also commended for its support of the 
multilateral trading system and its leadership in the Doha Development Agenda. Acknowledging its active participation in the Aid-for-Trade process, both as recipient and as donor, Brazil was 
encouraged to grant duty-free quota-free access to LDCs. 
1.5.  On the trade policy front, Members expressed their appreciation for the steps taken by Brazil 
to simplify and modernize its customs procedures but expressed concern with respect to the scope 
of Brazil's existing non-automatic licensing regime. Concerns were also raised on the use of import 
prohibitions, and some Members urged Brazil to enhance the transparency of its technical regulations, and sanitary and phytosanitary me asures. Members encouraged Brazil to reduce 
bound tariff rates to give its import regime greater predictability. Brazil was invited to join the 
GPA. Members noted that Brazil had passed new IPR legislation and enhanced the effectiveness of 
enforcement but encouraged Brazil to further st rengthen IPR protection. Noting the use of 
preferential credit and other support schemes in sectors like agriculture and manufacturing, 
Members expressed concern about domestic content and other requirements for accessing some of 
them. Members queried Brazil with respect to the ra tification of the Fourth and Fifth Protocols to 
the GATS. Finally, some Members invited Brazil to remove foreign ownership restrictions in 
maritime and air transport services.   
1.6.  For its part, Brazil indicated that the global economic crisis had slowed its growth, and 
although the economy rested on sound fundamentals, measures to lessen the impact of the crisis were being implemented, including investment on  infrastructure projects, and inclusive social 
actions. Also, as Brazil had been able to markedly reduce its public debt, it was in a position to use 
government expenditure to help sustain economic activity. The Brazilian national financial system had been responding well to the crisis due to  sound regulatory practices. To counter the 
international credit crunch, the amount of resources available for loans by the National 
Development Bank (BNDES) and other public banks had been increased. Brazil would continue supporting the multilateral trading system, seekin g in the Doha Development Agenda results that 
would offer new opportunities for social inclusion and poverty alleviation. WT/TPR/M/283 • Brazil 
 
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  2  OPENING STATEMENT BY THE REPRESENTATIVE OF BRAZIL (H.E. MR. PAULO 
ESTIVALLET DE MESQUITA) 
2.1.  Allow me first of all to thank the Secretar iat for the preparation of a very comprehensive and 
detailed report for this 6th Trade Policy Review of Brazil and for the close work relationship 
established with the Brazilian Government. That text, together with the statement submitted by 
the Government of Brazil, shall provide an excellent basis for our work today and next Wednesday. 
2.2.  May I also refer to the insightful comme nts and observations offered by the discussant, 
Ambassador Choi, who has enlightened us and decisively contributed to what we hope will be a 
lively and thoughtful discussion. 
2.3.  I want to thank all delegations for the intere st they have shown in the trade review of Brazil. 
The number and the quality of the questions and comments we have received are for us a clear 
indication of the importance the Membership attaches to Brazil’s participation in world trade, as 
well as of our common desire and determination to further strengthen the multilateral trading system and our respective bilateral trade and economic relations. 
2.4.  I am personally grateful to the members of the Brazilian Delegation to this trade policy 
review as well as all the colleagues from the Gove rnment in Brasília and from the Brazilian Mission 
to the WTO in Geneva who have worked hard and tirelessly to try to provide answers and 
clarifications to every single question received over the period of this intense process. In our 
delegation from the capital we have representatives from the Foreign Ministry, Ministry of Development, Industry and Foreign Trade, Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Science, Technology and 
Innovation, Ministry of Defense, the Central Bank, the Secretariat of the Chamber of Foreign 
Trade, the Health Surveillance Agency, the Securi ties and Exchange Commission and the Brazilian 
Trade and Investment Promotion Agency. 
2.5.  It is for Brazil a matter of great satisfacti on and responsibility to undergo the review of its 
trade policy at the World Trade Organization. The Trade Policy Review offers us an opportunity to 
reiterate our longstanding commitment to the mult ilateral trading system, a fundamental principle 
of Brazilian foreign trade policy. Indeed, this fundamental commitment was at the origins of the 
decision by Brazil to submit the name of Ambassa dor Roberto Azevêdo for Director-General of this 
Organization. I would like to take advantage of this opportunity, on behalf of the Government of Brazil, to once again thank the entire Membership for his designation as our next DG.  
2.6.  The number of questions received – almost 800 – is roughly the same as the number 
received in 2009. I would like to assure the Membership that we have made every effort to provide 
answers to all questions and that we will try to fully respond to any remaining questions during the course of our sessions. 
2.7.  This review of Brazil’s trade policy covers a period of time marked by the most severe 
international financial crisis since 1929 and a sharp economic downturn in advanced economies that has hit virtually all countries, developed an d developing. The impact of the financial and 
economic crisis is still unfolding, as countries throughout the world struggle to sustain their 
economies and to stem the downward trend that has been taking a dramatic toll on jobs and social 
welfare. Throughout this period, and in spite of the commitment of Governments and the unprecedented amount of resources that has b een mobilized, sustained recovery has proven 
elusive. 
2.8.  Bleak as it has been, the period since the beginning of the economic and financial crisis has 
witnessed important changes to the world economy. For the first time in history, developing 
countries have been able to significantly contribute to at least partially offsetting the negative 
impacts of the crisis. Indeed, growth rates have been consistently higher in developing countries than in the more advanced economies. Sound macroeconomic policies and improvements in the 
fiscal situation allowed Brazil to maintain an av erage growth rate of 2.7% from 2009 to 2012, in 
line with the average growth of the world econom y as a whole, and well above the average rate of 
0.6% displayed by developed economies. 
2.9.  Brazilian trade in goods and services grew at  a faster pace than the world average from 2009 
to 2012. During this period, Brazilian imports have grown more than its exports, thereby WT/TPR/M/283 • Brazil 
 
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  contributing to recovery and growth in our trading partners. As pointed out in the Secretariat 
Report, imports of industrial goods increased at  an average annual rate of 16.2% between 2007 
and 2012. 
2.10.  This was achieved as the country remained  opened to trade. The average applied MFN tariff 
increased only slightly, from 11.5% in 2008 to 11 .7% in 2012. The effective applied rate, that is, 
the amount of duties collected divided by the value of imports, stood at 7.3%. It is worth recalling 
that some of Brazil’s main export products continue to face triple-digit tariffs, as well as prohibitive 
special safeguard measures, in some of the world’s largest markets. Market access is therefore 
strictly limited by TRQs. 
2.11.  There has been an increase in the numbe r of anti-dumping and subsidies investigations, 
which bears a link to the turbulence in the world economy and in international trade flows. 
However, the volume of trade affected by trad e measures has gone down, from 0.64% of total 
imports in 2009 to 0.59% of total imports in 2012. 
2.12.  It comes therefore as no surprise that the “pre-G8 summit” report of the independent 
think-tank “Global Trade Alert” indicates that Brazil has implemented so many liberalizing 
measures during the covered period that its proportion of “trade restrictive” ones ranks now as the lowest among the members of the G-20. 
2.13.  Interest rates, although still high by in ternational standards, have displayed a consistent 
downward trend as a result of the improvement of the general economic and fiscal outlook. The Central Bank is now better equipped to keep inflation within target, without undermining growth prospects. According to the IMF and the Worl d Bank, in 2013 and 2014 the Brazilian economy is 
expected to continue to grow in line with the world economy and way above the average for 
advanced economies. 
2.14.  Overall, Brazilian macroeconomic performance has improved over the period. Growth has 
been bolstered by healthy fundamentals: the foreign debt to GDP ratio has attained a record low in 
recent history, at 14%, and the volume of inte rnational reserves covers comfortably the debt 
service and the current account deficit. Net public debt was cut nearly in half over the past 
decade: from 60% of GDP in 2002, it dropped to 42% in 2009 and to 35.4% in last April. Brazil 
has consistently ranked among the top five largest recipients of foreign direct investment, which in 2012 amounted to US$65 billion. 
2.15.  Increasing the level of public and private investment remains a challenge, in spite of efforts 
by the Government to implement horizontal and sectoral policies with a view to raising 
productivity. The FIFA World Cup of 2014 and th e Olympic Games of 2016 in Rio are important 
drivers of investment and are helping to catalyze the potential for infrastructure investment in 
Brazil. The Government has launched programs to modernize infrastructure, allowing for greater 
participation of private undertakers in sectors such as airports, ports, highways and railways, including through concessions. In the case of airports, concessions for three of the main domestic 
hubs, Brasília, Guarulhos and Viracopos, have alread y been granted; bids for the airports of Rio de 
Janeiro and Belo Horizonte will follow soon. Likewise, investment in the energy sector is expected to increase with the expansion of the mainly renewable matrix of the country, as well as with the exploitation of recently discovered oil and gas reserves. In total, investment in infrastructure and 
energy in Brazil is estimated to amount to some US$235 billion in the next years. 
2.16.  The Brazilian Government has continued to place emphasis grow on the sustainability and 
inclusiveness of growth. In spite of the impact of the international crisis, unemployment in Brazil 
continued to decline in the last four years, and currently stands at 5%. This has been accompanied 
by consistent real increases in the minimum wage . Income distribution has been one of the main 
features of Brazil’s development in recent years. As a result, the expansion of the middle class has 
been remarkable: some forty million Brazilians have escaped poverty and moved up the social 
ladder. 
2.17.  In spite of the global economic downturn, Brazil has managed to increase its participation in 
world trade over the period covered by this revi ew. In 2012, Brazil accounted for 1.29% of world 
trade, up from 1.13% of 2009. WT/TPR/M/283 • Brazil 
 
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  2.18.  The WTO is the central pillar of our fore ign trade policy. The multilateral trading system 
provides the juridical stability we need as our integration into the world economy evolves according to the dynamics of globalization.  
2.19.  The MERCOSUR customs union embodies the objective of creating an environment that is 
conducive to economic growth with social justice. As the platform for the integration of Brazil in 
the global economy, Mercosur presents an important array of accomplishments of great political and economic significance for Brazil and its partne rs. Trade within the block represents the largest 
share of our exports of manufactured goods and generates growing opportunities for the 
integration of productive chains throughout the region. 
2.20.  From 2009 to 2012, the period covered by this review, Brazilian exports to the world 
continued to be distributed among several regions.  The main development over the period was the 
consolidation of Asia as the main market for Brazilian products. In 2012, Asian markets responded 
for 31% of total Brazilian exports, followed by the European Union (20%), Latin America and the 
Caribbean (19%), United States and Canada (12%), Africa (5%), Middle East (4.8%) and Eastern 
Europe (1.8%).  
2.21.  Little change can be observed as we look at the other side of the story. In 2012, 
participation of the main regions of origin in terms of imports into Brazil remained virtually 
unaltered in comparison to 2009. Asia responded for 31% of total Brazilian imports, followed by 
the European Union (21%), Latin America and the Caribbean (17%), United States and Canada (16%), Africa (6.4%), Middle East (3.3%) and Eastern Europe (2%). 
2.22.  Perhaps the most interesting aspect of th e evolution of Brazil’s trade performance during 
the period of this review resides in the fact that, overall, the country’s imports showed more 
dynamism than its exports. Brazilian imports fr om the world grew 75% in the four years from 
2009 to 2012, increasing its share of world imports from 1.05% in 2009 to 1.26%. In turn, 
Brazilian exports to the world increased 59% du ring the same period and its share of world 
exports expanded from 1.22% to 1.32%. 
2.23.  When the previous Trade Policy Review of  Brazil took place in 2009, there was general 
concern that the crisis might eventually induce Governments to lean towards protectionism in an 
attempt – self-defeating as it may be – to offset the consequences, at the domestic level, of the economic downturn. In spite of all the remaining economic and social challenges and the fact that prospects for recovery remain uncertain, it is important to recognize that the specter of a 
protectionist spiral that would engulf the global economy has been so far avoided.  
2.24.  The role of the WTO in the pursuit of  this common goal cannot be understated. The 
monitoring efforts undertaken by the organization have helped to ensure that protectionist 
pressures are kept at bay. Multilateral trade law continues to set the ground for commerce among 
an ever increasing number of nations, providing predictability and allowing for the settlement of 
disputes in an orderly manner.  
2.25.  As the world struggles to overcome the economic downturn of the past five years, the 
importance of trade as a catalyst for economic growth becomes only more evident. It is crucial that the Doha Development Round be brought to a successful conclusion. We cannot expect to deal with the challenges of the 21st century by  sidestepping the unfinished business of the 20th 
century. And for that to happen we must demonstrate that we can deliver meaningful results, 
particularly to developing countries, at the Ministerial Conference to be held in December, in Bali.  
2.26.  In conclusion, it is fair to say that Brazil has performed considerably well under the difficult 
circumstances that marked the world economy during the past four years. Its economic 
fundamentals have remained sound throughout this  period. We are proud to have, together with 
other developing economies, helped offset the downturn in the world economy that resulted from 
the international financial and economic crisis. The Brazilian economy will continue to demonstrate 
its resilience and its potential in the face of turbulence.  
2.27.  We remain fully convinced that trade can be a decisive tool to address the challenges of the 
world economy and to help promote development. Keeping protectionism at bay continues to be 
one of the main challenges facing the world trade community as we wade through the current WT/TPR/M/283 • Brazil 
 
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  difficult times. Brazil has done and will continue to do its part. Of course, the further liberalization 
of trade is a collective effort that requires the engagement of the whole membership of this organization. WT/TPR/M/283 • Brazil 
 
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  3  STATEMENT BY THE DISCUSSANT (H.E. MR. CHOI SEOKYOUNG (REPUBLIC OF KOREA)) 
3.1.  I am honoured to take part in the TPR of  Brazil as a discussant. In preparation, I have 
learned a lot regarding Brazil’s fascinating history, culture, economy, politics and huge development potential. One of my findings is the nexus between Brazil and trade. The country 
name of Brazil originated on account of the massive trade of brazilwood, a valuable red dye for the 
European cloth industry in the past. As such, the name “Brazil” is a symbol for foreign trade.  
3.2.  Against this backdrop, I will make my general observations focusing on two topics: 
 One, a snapshot of Brazil’s economic environment and its trade policy framework; and 
 Two, Brazil’s trade policies by measure and sector. 
Snapshot of Brazil’s economic enviro nment and its trade policy framework  
3.3.  Brazil is a big country with lots of diversit y. It is the 5th largest country by area and the 7th 
largest in terms of economy. Its population of 190 million represents an exceptional degree of 
human potential. Its current GDP (PPP) per capita is US$10,200. And, the Brazilian economy is predicted to become one of the five largest in the world in the decades to come. And, equally 
diverse are its natural and cultural riches which have taken an important place on the global stage.  
3.4.  While we appreciate Brazil’s inspiring success and great potential for further development, it 
is important to recognize that such achievements were made by overcoming significant economic 
and social challenges in the 1990s. With able leadership and concerted efforts with its people, 
Brazil weathered the recent economic crisis and came into the top tier of economic output. As the Secretariat report notes, the Brazilian economy re corded strong performance during most of the 
period under review, with real GDP growth averag ing 3.6% per year and with foreign trade growth 
averaging 8.6% per annum. The review period was marked by a strengthening of Brazilian trade 
with Asia, in particular with China.  
3.5.  Notwithstanding the positive echoes of the assessment, Brazil’s economy has decelerated 
since the second half of 2011. During the period  under review, import growth outpaced exports. 
This is partly due to the global economic sl ow-down and appreciation of the Brazilian Real. 
However, the Secretariat’s report identifies the long-standing structural problems affecting the 
Brazilian economy’s overall competitiveness such as import constraints, inadequate infrastructure, 
insufficient access to credit, and a high tax burden. In the WEF’s recent Global Competitiveness Report, the country’s overall infrastructure is  ranked 107th out of 144 in terms of quality. 
3.6.  Taking a look at the trade policy framework, Brazil is one of the WTO’s most active 
participants, and remains committed to the streng thening of the MTS. Importantly, Brazil has 
acknowledged that the WTO is fundamental to attaining its development objectives and is committed to a successful conclusion of the DDA. Brazil also plans to ratify the 5th Protocol on 
financial services. At the regional level, Brazil has concluded preferential trade agreements with 
eight neighbouring countries, and is actively expanding its preferential trade network with other countries in other regions. 
3.7.  Brazil’s foreign investment regime remained largely unmodified during the period under 
review. In particular, Brazil has 14 bilateral investment agreements. Foreign investment is restricted in some areas including mass media, the aerospace industry as well as maritime and air transport. Brazil adhered to MIGA (Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency) Convention in 1992 
and joined the OECD Investment Committee in 1998 as an observer. However, it has not joined 
the ICSID.  
Trade policies and practice s by measure and sector 
3.8.  As the Secretariat Report notes, the Govern ment of Brazil took steps to address structural 
issues and to enhance competitiveness under the Plano Brasil Maior (Greater Brazil Plan) in 2011. Under this plan, Brazil has developed a number of industrial, technological, and foreign trade 
policies to underpin its development objectives. In this context, I would like to draw your attention 
to some of the Brazil’s trade policy measures which deserve in depth discussion in today’s 
meeting. WT/TPR/M/283 • Brazil 
 
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   Brazil took positive steps to simplify and modernize customs procedures. But its imports are 
 still subject to various and complex internal taxes and import licensing, including IPI, which  vary depending on the product type, competent authority, and importer’s tax regime status.  In addition, Brazil maintains export taxes on items including hides and skins. Importantly, it 
 also plans to simplify internal taxation schemes. 
 Brazil’s competition regime was overhauled in May 2012 with significant institutional 
 restructuring. But, the changes to the notification criteria and the framework for calculating 
 fines are expected to reduce the number of transaction subject to notification and lower the 
 deterrent effect. 
 Brazil operates a decentralized procurement system. And it is neither a Party nor observer to 
 the WTO/GPA. An OECD assessment study in 2011 on Brazil’s procurement practices 
 commended its progress in promoting transparency and its management throughout the 
 procurement cycle, but suggested at the same time, that efforts could be made to increase  professionalism and develop performance indicators.  
 Brazil is a significant user of trade remedies, particularly anti-dumping and CVD measures. 
 Trade defense has been identified as a component of the Plano Brasil Maior. In the first nine  months of 2012, Brazil initiated 47 new investigations in addition to 83 anti-dumping 
 measures put in place in mid-2012. 
 Several export support programmes have been modified or expanded since the last review. 
 Among them, the Export Financing Programme  (PROEX) and the export credit schemes 
 under the BNDES-EXIM programme are geared to promoting exports with local value added 
 and often with a domestic content/production threshold.  
3.9.  Turning to sectors, Brazil has a dynamic agricu ltural sector that plays an important role in its 
economy. Brazil informed the WTO that it did not grant export subsidies for agricultural products 
between 2002-2007 and 2008-2010. However, the OE CD contended in 2011 that about 2/3 of the 
PSE (Producer Support Equivalent) is provided “in the most production and trade distorting forms,” especially through price support measures and subsidized credit.  
3.10.  Brazil lost some dynamism in the manufactu ring sector during the review period due to an 
erosion of competitiveness. High cost and scarce access to credit was recognized as a systematic issue. In response to this situation, Brazil introd uced strong industrial policy measures through two 
comprehensive plans such as the Productive Deve lopment Policy (2008-10) and Plano Brazil Maior 
(2011-14). It actively utilized instruments such as credit lines, public procurement and fiscal 
incentives, including the INOVAR-AUTO programme. With this, companies eligible for the programme may benefit from an IPI tax reductio n of up to 30% on automotive products. In 
September 2012, concerns were raised on the incompatibility of some of the programme’s 
provisions with the WTO rules.  
3.11.  Turning to the services sectors, the IM F/World Bank Report noted in 2012 that Brazil’s 
financial system had grown in size, diversification and sophistication for the last 10 years, and at 
the same time recommended that policies be geared toward encouraging the development of private long-term finance. In areas such as electricity and telecommunications, private-sector participation has been expanding and has been granted more flexibility. Brazil’s telecommunication 
sector is fully open to competition and continues to attract new entrants. Concerning air 
transportation, the Government decision was made in May 2011 to allow private investors to build, manage and operate airports through concessions. It is a positive development. 
Conclusion 
3.12.  All this said, I have covered a lot. But given its size and scale, as well as the inevitable 
complexity of the Brazilian economy, it may not have been sufficient. Considering all of these 
angles, we can safely say that Brazil is an economic giant with great power and great potential. 
Indeed, there is no question regarding the active role and leadership that Brazil has assumed in regional and global forums including, at the G-20, among the BRICS, within MERCOSUR, and the 
WTO, which will be led by a Brazilian Director General from 1 September 2013.   WT/TPR/M/283 • Brazil 
 
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  3.13.  Thus far, it seems that Brazil is living up to what the French philosopher Voltaire once 
articulated “With Great Power Comes Great Responsibility” which was quoted perhaps most famously and less importantly in the recent movie Spider Man. It is not surprising that so many advance written questions were put forward on the operational details of trade measures and how 
Brazil looks at all these measures in light of relevant WTO rules. At this point, it would be 
interesting to hear the Member States’ views about the successes and challenges of Brazil. WT/TPR/M/283 • Brazil 
 
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  4  STATEMENTS BY MEMBERS 
UNITED  STATES 
4.1.  The United States has always viewed Brazil as an important and valued trading partner. As 
the two largest economies and democracies in the Western Hemisphere, the United States and 
Brazil share ties that have expanded over th e years with increased trade, capital flows, 
cross-border investment, and a wide range of educational, health, scientific and other joint activities.   
4.2.  Brazil is a major force in the global ec onomy. Growing trade, significant oil discoveries, 
financial stability, low inflation, rising investment, and a booming middle class are some of the factors that have contributed to Brazil’s rise as a prosperous and influential country on the world stage. During the period under review, Brazil en joyed strong economic performance with real GDP 
growth averaging 3.6% per year. Sustained econom ic growth over the past decade has allowed 
Brazil to lift millions of people out of poverty and into the middle class and reduce income inequality. 
4.3.  Focusing for a moment on our bilateral tr ade relationship, as the world’s seventh largest 
economy and the United States’ eighth largest trading partner, Brazil has become a vital market for U.S. companies. Two-way U.S. goods and serv ices trade with Brazil totaled US$103 billion in 
2011. Overall, U.S. goods imports from Brazil are up 269% over the last 18 years (following the 
Uruguay Round). The picture is also encouraging for U.S.-Brazil services trade. In 2011, U.S. exports of private commercial services to Brazil were US$21.7 billion, while Brazil’s supply of private commercial services to the United States was US$6.9 billion in 2011, up 256% from 2000 
levels. U.S. foreign direct investment (FDI) in  Brazil (stock) was US$71.1 billion in 2011, up 10.8% 
from 2010 levels. Brazilian FDI in the United St ates (stock) was US$5 billion in 2011, up a 
dramatic 266% from 2010 levels.   
4.4.  The strong economic growth experienced in Br azil during most of the review period slowed in 
2011 and 2012, due in part to the global economic slowdown and in part to structural problems in 
the Brazilian economy. Despite the difficult global economic context, we believe that Brazil would 
benefit from continuing its efforts to give additional momentum to liberalized trade and investment 
policies, including by lowering tariffs and eliminating pervasive local content requirements. The structural bottlenecks - which include a very high tax burden, a complex and inefficient regulatory regime, inadequate infrastructure, limited access to credit, and a rigid labor market - threaten 
Brazil’s competitiveness and future growth prospects. Reflecting these challenges, the World Bank 
ranked Brazil 130th out of 185 countries for ease of doing business in 2013.   
4.5.  In our view, there are some specific areas wh ere Brazil could take action to improve its trade 
and investment regime for the purpose of cr eating additional growth and development 
opportunities. In addition to the issues addressed in our questions, today I would like to briefly call attention to Brazil’s high tariff structure, its increased reliance on local content requirements, and 
shortcomings in some areas of IPR protection and enforcement.  
4.6.  While Brazil’s MFN applied tariff rate averaged 11.2 percent in 2012, its average bound tariff 
rate is significantly higher at 31.4%, with the maximum bound rates for industrial and agricultural goods set at 35% and 55%, respectively. Because of the large disparities between bound and 
applied rates, U.S. exporters face significant uncertainty in the Brazilian market. This uncertainty 
is amplified by the frequent changes in tariffs  made by the Brazilian government to protect 
domestic industries from import competition. For example, in October 2012, Brazil increased tariffs 
to a maximum of 35% on 100 industrial products pursuant to a December 2011 MERCOSUR 
ministerial decision. These tariff increases affected  approximately US$1 billion in U.S. exports in 
2012. Brazil is further considering increasing tariffs on an additional 100 products pursuant to a 
second MERCOSUR ministerial decision taken in June 2012. These tariff hikes could adversely 
affect Brazil’s competitiveness. We note that Brazil has also decreased tariffs on a large number of products in 2013. While we welcome these trade liberalizing steps, it is important to underscore that frequent and temporary changes in tariffs, whether up or down, create an unpredictable 
business environment for importers and exporters, and have a chilling effect on investment. WT/TPR/M/283 • Brazil 
 
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  4.7.  We want to acknowledge the important and continued progress that Brazil has made in 
enhancing the effectiveness of intellectual property rights enforcement. However, shortcomings in some areas of IPR protection and enforcement continue to act as obstacles to U.S. exports and investment. The United States is particularly concerned about recent regulations that give Brazil’s 
sanitary regulatory agency, ANVISA, the authority to provide “prior consent” to pharmaceutical 
patent applications. ANVISA’s review is in addition to the normal patent review conducted by Brazil’s patent office (INPI).  
4.8.  We call upon Brazil to assume additional  responsibilities commensurate with its prominent 
position in the global economy. In that regard, we  encourage Brazil to continue to work with us 
and other Members to produce a doable package of results for the WTO’s 9th Ministerial in Bali in December, including a binding agreement on Trade Facilitation. We would also like to see Brazil 
accede to the WTO Agreement on Government Procurement, which would provide Brazilian 
companies access to lucrative procurement markets in the United States and other GPA member countries, while opening up Brazil’s government procurement market to foreign participation. And 
we urge Brazil to consider joining the negotiations to expand the product coverage of the 
Information Technology Agreement. 
4.9.  The United States would like to remind Braz il of the importance of ensuring that the global 
trading order remains open. We were troubled to learn that the International Chamber of 
Commerce recently released its Open Market Index 2013, which ranks Brazil as the G-20’s most closed economy. In a ranking of the 75 largest economies, Brazil occupies the 68th position. I 
would like to express my Government’s hope and expectation that, going forward, Brazil will 
continue to pursue further reforms and open markets that enable it to reap the benefits of 
expanding trade and global economic opportunity. In addition, we welcome further cooperation on trade matters with our Brazilian colleagues both he re at the WTO and in the context of our growing 
bilateral relationship.   
4.10.  Finally, in closing, on behalf of the United States, I would like to take this opportunity to 
recognize Ambassador Roberto Azevêdo, the next Director General of the WTO. It has been a 
privilege to work with Ambassador Azevêdo in his capacity as Brazil’s Ambassador to the WTO, and 
we look forward to working with him in his new role as Director General of this important institution.   
EL
 SALVADOR 
4.11.  Tal como se refleja en el Informe de la Secretaría, no obstante la Crisis Financiera Mundial 
que impacta a todos los Miembros, Brasil encontró la clave para sobreponerse de forma positiva 
por la fuerte demanda interna y externa y políticas macroeconómicas sólidas, contribuyendo a la 
recuperación de la economía mundial mediante el aumento sustancial de sus importaciones, lo cual 
le ha permitido realizar progresos en la reducción de la pobreza, el desempleo y la desigualdad de ingresos, lo que demuestra la prioridad del Gobier no del Brasil por el bienestar de su población 
promoviendo un sistema económico justo y equili brado, que permita promover el bienestar y 
mitigar la pobreza en su país.  
4.12.  El Salvador y Brasil establecieron Relaciones Diplomáticas en 1906, al margen de la 
III Conferencia Panamericana en Río de Janeiro, Brasil, cuando los países de Centroamérica 
realizaron su primer encuentro al más alto nivel y desde esa fecha, nuestras relaciones se han 
visto fortalecido en áreas tales como política, económica y de cooperación, principalmente con visitas y encuentros al más alto nivel, existiendo coincidencia en la priorización de los temas 
sociales en la agenda de Gobierno de ambos países, el apoyo recíproco para el impulso de 
iniciativas de lucha contra la pobreza, integración regional, desarrollo de iniciativas conjuntas en materia energética, a través del intercambio de experiencias de Brasil en materia de la producción 
de biocombustibles, así como en las áreas de se guridad alimentaria, deportes, salud y seguridad 
ciudadana, entre otras. 
4.13.  No obstante nuestra balanza comercial continúa siendo deficitaria, el flujo comercial entre 
ambos países es complementario contándose como principales productos de exportación por parte 
de El Salvador en productos tales como lomos de atún cocidos, congelados, algodón, poliésteres, 
aluminio y materias textiles.  WT/TPR/M/283 • Brazil 
 
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  4.14.  Entre las importaciones desde Brasil se incluyen maíz amarillo, alcohol etílico, gasolinas, 
aparatos para la recepción, conversión, emisión y transmisión o regeneración de voz, imagen u otros datos, aleaciones de aluminio, vehículos automotores y medicamentos, entre otros. 
4.15.  En materia de inversión, cabe resaltar que la inversión brasileña en El Salvador se ha 
expandido en los últimos años, la cual para el año 2012 se ha mantenido en 13 millones de dólares 
EE.UU. Entre las inversiones más recientes, se destaca el establecimiento de la planta de textiles Pettenati.  
4.16.  En materia de cooperación y bajo la modalidad conocida como sur-sur, se han venido 
consolidando una serie de proyectos en áreas de salud, agricultura, seguridad pública, desarrollo 
social y el fortalecimiento institucional. En el mes de mayo del presente año, nuestros países celebraron la IX Reunión de la Comisión Mixta de Cooperación en San Salvador, en esa ocasión 
nuestras autoridades revisaron los proyectos existentes entre ambos países y las nuevas temáticas 
de trabajo.  
4.17.  En dicho sentido contamos con proyecto tale s como la firma de un convenio de ajuste para 
mejorar la innovación del sector agrícola de El Salvador a través del apoyo directo al Centro 
Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria y Forestal (CENTA) y la Escuela Nacional de Agronomía (ENA) y el cual propiciara el fortalecimiento de las capacidades de investigación y desarrollo a través de 
la renovación de laboratorios y la transferencia de tecnología, entre otras acciones conjuntas; a su 
vez hemos consolidado un proyecto de política pública de comercialización agrícola y un convenio triangular (Brasil, El Salvador y Japón), el cual servirá para apoyar el establecimiento de la filosofía de la policía comunitaria salvadoreña. 
4.18.  En materia de desarrollo social, Brasil ha dado cooperación a El Salvador para impulsar el 
programa “Territorios del Progreso”, enfocado a mitigar las desigualdades sociales por medio del desarrollo productivo. En una primera fase, el gobierno salvadoreño ha podido llegar a 
37 municipios y en una segunda etapa se prevé cubrir 207, con lo que quedaría cubierto, bajo este 
programa, el 70% del territorio nacional. La nación brasileña también apoya en áreas de salud para llevar asistencia a pueblos indígenas del país. 
4.19.  Con respecto al examen que nos ocupa, nos complace constatar que entre las prioridades 
de la política comercial del Brasil figura el fortalecimiento del sistema multilateral de comercio. 
4.20.  En el marco de las negociaciones multilaterales que se desarrollan en esta Organización, 
específicamente en el marco del Programa de Doha para el Desarrollo, el Brasil participa 
activamente en todas las discusiones y ha presentado propuestas en diversos órganos de la OMC, 
incluyendo en las Negociaciones sobre la Agricultura, Bienes industriales, Servicios, Propiedad Intelectual, entre otros, atribuyendo gran importancia al principio de trato especial y diferenciado 
para los países en desarrollo.   
4.21.  Es también importante destacar el rol protagónico que este miembro ha jugado dentro de 
las negociaciones agrícolas, promoviendo reformas que permitan nivelar el terreno de juego en 
esta área, especialmente a través de su liderazgo como coordinador del G-20.  
4.22.  En materia de propiedad intelectual deseamos destacar la labor realizada por el Instituto 
Nacional de Propiedad Industrial, INPI, de Brasil así como la labor realizada por el Consejo Nacional de Lucha contra la Piratería y los delitos de Propiedad Intelectual (CNCP), el cual ha 
realizado importantes acciones en la lucha contra la piratería y la falsificación. 
4.23.  En razón de todo lo anterior, no me resta más que transmitir a la delegación del Brasil, 
nuestros deseos de éxitos en el presente Examen  de Política Comercial, el cual estamos seguros 
será un interesante y fructífero ejercicio. 
HONG
 KONG,  CHINA 
4.24.  Brazil is Hong Kong, China’s largest trading partner in Latin America. Bilateral merchandise 
trade between us had been growin g at an average annual rate of almost 10% during the review 
period. While I am sad to say that the Hong Kong football team has failed to qualify for the World Cup Finals in Brazil next year, I am sure the cross border betting trade will give our mutual trade a WT/TPR/M/283 • Brazil 
 
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  fillip. We very much look forward to fostering even closer economic and trade cooperation with 
Brazil in the years ahead.   
4.25.  Turning to some specific aspects of Brazil's  trade policy, we much appreciate that Brazil has 
bound all of its tariff lines and applied entirely ad valorem rates. However, the gap between the 
average applied rate which was 11.7% in 2012 and the average bound rate of about 30% imparts 
unpredictability to Brazil’s tariff regime. Making use of a MERCOSUR mechanism providing for temporary tariff increases on non-originating goods, Brazil also raised the applied tariff rates on 
100 tariff lines to the maximum authorised tariff since October 2012. Other than customs tariffs, 
certain imports into Brazil are also subject to various types of internal taxes. We urge Brazil further to embrace trade liberalisation through reducing its average applied MFN tariff rates, reducing the large difference between its average bound and applied rates, refraining from 
temporary tariff hikes, and si mplifying its internal taxation system for imported goods. 
4.26.  We commend Brazil for its generally lower ta riffs on agricultural products. According to the 
OECD, Brazil provides a relatively low level of total support to agriculture. Notwithstanding this, 
some of its support, especially the price support measures and subsidized credits, are production 
and trade distorting. We encourage Brazil, being th e world’s third-largest exporter of agricultural 
products, to review its agricultural support measures and reduce their trade distorting effect. 
4.27.  On the multilateral front, we appreciate Brazil’s active participation in the WTO Agriculture 
negotiations. We are sure that it will continue to engage constructively and flexibly in the negotiations for a balanced outcome in MC9.  
4.28.  On trade in services, which now takes up 58% of Brazil’s GDP, we note with appreciation 
that the Brazilian Government has taken liberalisation measures, such as removing the foreign 
investment cap in cable TV services, allowing the cross-border supply of insurance services and allowing private investors to build, manage and operate airports. We encourage Brazil to continue 
this effort. We are mindful that cumbersome rules and regulations also unduly impede flow of 
trade in services. We hope Brazil will become more receptive to having stronger multilateral disciplines in this respect. 
4.29.  We also note that Brazil still maintains M FN exemptions relating to the audiovisual services, 
land transport and maritime transport services. We urge Brazil seriously to consider removing all 
MFN exemptions and would appreciate Brazil’s advice on any plan to do so in the near future. 
4.30.  Regarding trade facilitation, we are pleased that Brazil has been taking steps to simplify and 
modernize its customs procedures. However, we note that Brazil imposes a number of registration 
requirements on importers and commercial imports. We urge Brazil to remove these requirements 
to further facilitate trade. 
4.31.  We appreciate Brazil’s constructive participation in the WTO negotiations on trade 
facilitation, and look forward to working more closely with Brazil and other Members towards an early conclusion of a Trade Facilitation Agreement. 
4.32.  During the period under review, Brazil was a significant user of contingency trade measures.  
Of particular concern is Brazil’s increasing use of antidumping measures which increased more than 30% between October 2008 and mid-2012. In view of their trade stifling effect, we hope that 
Brazil will exercise restraint in the initiation of such measures. 
4.33.  According to the Secretariat Report, Brazil has not made any notification on the 
implementation and administration of the Techni cal Barriers to Trade Agreement since 2003. Also, 
the WTO has not been notified of many of the technical regulations and standards adopted by 
Brazil during the review period. We urge Brazil to make timely notifications to the WTO to enhance 
the clarity and transparency of its technical regulations and standards. 
4.34.  Last but not least, the delegation of Brazil plays a very active part in the work of the WTO.  
In the past year or so, we have in particular a ppreciated Brazil’s initiatives and contributions to 
many areas, both Doha and non-Doha; and we look forward to continuing to work closely with its delegation in charting a way forward for further strengthening the multilateral trading system. WT/TPR/M/283 • Brazil 
 
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  PAKISTAN 
4.35.  Brazil is one of the world’s leading econ omies with large and well-developed agricultural, 
mining, manufacturing, and service sectors. It became the world's sixth largest economy in 2011 
in terms of nominal GDP, which reached US$2,475 bi llion. It was one of the first emerging markets 
to begin a recovery. In 2010, consumer and inve stor confidence revived and GDP growth reached 
7.5%, the highest growth rate in the past 25 years. In 2012, Brazil was the world's sixth largest recipient of FDI and from 2011 to the end of  2012, 4 million new jobs were created. 
4.36.  As of December 2012, the Program "Brazil without misery" has managed to raise 
16.4 million Brazilians above the line of extreme pove rty. From 2009 to 2012, social indicators of 
health, education, employment, housing, life expe ctancy and income distribution have improved 
considerably. 
4.37.  Brazil’s foreign trade volume increased 65.9% between 2009 and 2012, and in 2011, it was 
the world's 16th largest exporter and 15th largest importer of goods. The period 2009-2012 was marked by significant surpluses in goods trade. Brazil has also diversified the destination of its 
manufactured and agricultural goods, notably, expo rts to Asia increased 87.2%. However, Brazil's 
structural deficit in the services trade balance al so widened during the review period, largely on 
account of higher payments for leasing capi tal equipment, travel, and transportation. 
4.38.  On the other hand, Brazil has long-standing structural problems affecting its 
competitiveness, including: a complex and onerous tax system; infrastructure bottlenecks; highly regulated labour markets; high interest rates; and a high cost for industrial inputs. 
4.39.  In order to strengthen the country's ability to face the global crisis, the Federal government 
launched "Plano Brasil Maior", with a focus on industrial competitiveness, technological 
development and foreign trade. Aiming at promot ing the democratization of credit and banking, 
the Program "Crescer" was introduced in August 2011 under the National Program for Productive 
Micro-credit. The expansion of micro-credit in Brazil aims to encourage entrepreneurship, to give 
opportunity to new businesses and to meet the financial needs of entrepreneurs of small productive activities. The "Simples Nacional" is a differentiated and simplified tax regime applicable 
to micro and small enterprises, which allows for the payment of eight different taxes by means of 
a single document and a single tax rate applicable to gross revenue. 
4.40.  In its quest to revive support sectors affect ed by a loss of competitiveness, Brazil has also 
adopted some measures that may have a restrictive impact on trade, including increasing tariffs 
temporarily, and using preferential margins for domestic goods and services in government 
procurement, and has increased export credits. 
4.41.  The simple average MFN tariff applied in 2012 was 11.7%, up from 11.5% in 2008. Besides 
customs tariffs, imports are subject to a number of internal taxes. In aggregate, the tariff 
continues to depict positive escalation. The overall time to import merchandise into Brazil (17 days) has not changed over the past three years, however, the corresponding cost per 
container was estimated to have almost doubled over 2009-13. There is a high level of exemptions 
such that revenue forgone due to tariff concessions reached an estimated R$10.9 billion (US$5.45 billion) over the 2009-12 period. Brazil is  also a significant user of trade remedies, 
particularly anti-dumping measures. 
4.42.  Brazil is a leading player in the WTO. Apart from vigorous participation in negotiations, it 
has tabled several proposals. It has also spearheaded agricultural proposals through G-20. Election of Ambassador Azevedo to the post of DG reflects  the Membership’s acknowledgement of Brazil’s 
role in the WTO. 
AUSTRALIA 4.43.  Australia has a significant, and growing, economic relationship with Brazil. Brazil is 
Australia’s largest trading partner in South America, with two-way merchandise trade of 
US$2.02 billion in 2011-12. Australian investment in Brazil is growing, with around US$16.5 billion 
invested in 2011. Given this growing economic  relationship, we welcome the willingness of 
Brazilian officials to engage with Australia on a diverse range of regulatory issues, from SPS to WT/TPR/M/283 • Brazil 
 
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  Brazil’s new Mining Code. We look forward to in creasing the level of engagement and cooperation 
between our two countries, as envisioned by the Strategic Partnership announced by Prime Minister Gillard and President Rousseff in Rio de Janeiro in June 2012. Australia also welcomes continued participation in the CER-Mercosul Dialogue, most recently convened in Brasilia in 
October 2012. 
4.44.  Australia and Brazil also have a long history of close cooperation in the WTO.  The regard in 
which the membership holds Brazil in the WTO was evident in the strong support for the 
appointment of Ambassador Roberto Azevedo as the next Director-General of the WTO. Australia 
welcomes his appointment and looks forw ard to working closely with him.   
4.45.  Australia and Brazil are founding members of the Cairns Group, reflecting our shared 
commitment to securing meaningful agricultural trade liberalisation. We share Brazil’s strong 
commitment to delivering agricultural reform through the Doha Round negotiations. We also 
welcome Brazil’s strong engagement in the current efforts to put together the Bali package and Australia looks forward to further constructive engagement to achieve realistic outcomes for MC9. 
4.46.  Brazil’s impressive economic growth and social progress are well-known. Both the reports 
from Brazil and the Secretariat outline a series of  impressive economic achievements since the last 
TPR. The performance of Brazil’s social programs, in particular, is laudable. In our view, the 
substantial gains made by Brazil under its social programs can best be consolidated through 
market liberalisation and openness.  
4.47.  With this in mind, in the period under review there have been some concerning 
developments. The announcement of tariff increases on 100 tariff lines in October 2012, although 
consistent with Brazil’s bound WTO commitments, is a case in point. The imposition of a range of 
local content requirements imposed over the past tw o years, particularly in the automotive sector, 
are a further area of concern for Australia. The complicated system of taxes and tax credits now in 
place should not become enshrined as a means to encourage domestic innovation.   
4.48.  Australia encourages Brazil to look at effective means of increasing the competitiveness of 
its domestic industry, beyond such measures. Brazil could also benefit from making further 
structural reforms to improve the ease of doing business in Brazil. 
4.49.  As a country in rapid development, already the world’s sixth largest economy, Brazil has an 
important role to play in influencing the trade policies of others. While this influence is unquestionably global, it is most apparent in it s own region. As a key member of Mercosul, Brazil 
can make an important contribution to returning the organisation to a more open orientation, 
benefiting its Members and the region more broadly.  
4.50.  Let me conclude by once again welcoming Brazil’s strong economic record, and expressing 
our confidence that Brazil will build on this in th e future. I hope that the views shared by Members 
at this TPR provide Brazil with useful input to do so, and wish Brazil all the best for this Review. 
NEW
 ZEALAND 
4.51.  Much has happened within Brazil since the last Review. Brazil succeeded in passing through 
the global financial crisis almost unscathed, helped by favourable terms of trade for its commodity exports as well as its large and buoyant domestic consumer market. Growth rebounded strongly, but has since slowed as the economy has continued to face some global headwinds including a 
strong currency as well as increased competition for its exports of industrials. Brazil is a significant 
economic partner for New Zealand, especially in terms of investment and trade in services.   
4.52.  We welcome and share Brazil´s commitment to the WTO and the eventual conclusion of the 
Doha Round negotiations. We are also pleased here to note that as from 1 September the WTO 
has a strong new Director General in Ambassador Roberto Azevedo, and we look forward to Roberto’s leadership contributing to that goal. We also recognize the leading role that Brazil can 
play in developing MERCOSUR as an outward looking customs union. 
4.53.  Turning to bilateral trade, New Zealand companies continue to find Brazil a challenging 
country in which to do business. We know Brazil has recognised this and applaud initiatives Brazil WT/TPR/M/283 • Brazil 
 
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  has taken and is taking to enhance public administration. Notable in this regard are the major 
investments being made by the public and private sector in Brazil’s air and sea port infrastructure which should improve the trading environment considerably in the medium term. We welcome efforts Brazil is making to promote greater tr ansparency and risk-management in government 
procurement processes. 
4.54.  We think there remains scope for Brazil to do more particularly around more routine trade 
process that directly affect imports, such as the amount of paperwork and time involved in 
importing products into Brazil. 
4.55.  New Zealand has been concerned by some trade policies proposed and/or implemented 
recently by Brazil apparently intended to protect certain industries from foreign competition, even 
if only on a temporary basis. We have posed specific questions around these, and would just note 
here that in New Zealand’s experience allowing fo r greater integration of our companies in global 
value chain has been a key element of maintaining and lifting our industrial competitiveness and productivity.   
4.56.  Encouraging imports, as well as exports, has also been a key part of this for New Zealand. 
W e  n o t e  t h a t  B r a z i l  i s  n o w  o n e  o f  t h e  w o r l d ’ s  largest users of anti-dumping procedures. We 
encourage Brazil to ensure that its anti-dumping processes continue to be applied accurately and 
fairly and only against imported products that in fact do in fact cause or pose a serious threat of 
causing material injury to Brazilian industries. 
4.57.  New Zealand appreciates that Brazil maintains a relatively open regime for foreign 
investment. Recent restrictions introduced in 2010 on foreign investment in rural land have 
impacted on initiatives by New Zealand companies to invest in Brazil’s agriculture sector, which is 
an area of great potential to develop our economic  relationship for long term mutual benefit. We 
understand the sensitivities around large scale purchases of rural land for speculative or strategic 
purposes. We would like to encourage Brazil to distinguish between this kind of sensitive foreign 
investment, and the long term productive investme nt New Zealand has and would like to continue 
to make in Brazil that includes the transfer of technology, job creation, and up-skilling of rural 
workers.  
4.58.  In the area of agriculture we think it impo rtant to acknowledge that the sector is significant 
given that Brazil holds is the  world's third-largest exporter of agricultural products; and yet this is without the use of export subsidies and while staying well within AMS commitment levels. Amber 
box support policies remain though, particularly in relation to price support, and we would 
encourage Brazil, as a key proponent of agricultural  trade reform, to further reduce its use of trade 
distorting measures.  
4.59.  Similarly, fisheries subsidies programmes are reported to be relatively limited. That said, 
given Rio+20 and G-20 commitments we are interested to hear about efforts to reduce the use of subsidies for fuel and vessel construction and modernisation, which increase fishing effort and 
capacity and pose a serious risk to the global commons. 
4.60.  Brazil is now one of the world’s largest economies and, as our discussant has reminded us 
today, as such, it is important that it shows leadership on international trade and investment. As a valued partner for New Zealand, we will continue to take an active interest in Brazil’s trade and 
investment policy settings, and welcome opportunities such as this to discuss them. 
THE
 SEPARATE  CUSTOMS  TERRITORY  OF TAIWAN,  PENGHU,  KINMEN  AND  MATSU 
4.61.  Brazil has gained universal recognition in recent years for its outstanding economic 
performance. Even in times of great difficulty for the world economy, with the global financial 
crisis, followed by economic recession and then  a very slow recovery, Brazil has managed to 
maintain continuous annual growth in its GDP. That is very impressive. 
4.62.  We are aware that Brazil has taken some measures which may have had a restrictive impact 
on trade. The agriculture sector, for example, pl ays an important role in Brazil’s economy, but 
operates several programmes based on minimum price guarantees. WT/TPR/M/283 • Brazil 
 
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  4.63.  In addition to customs tariffs, imports into Brazil are also subject to a number of internal 
taxes. These taxes vary in their application a ccording to the type of product, the competent 
authority and the status of the importer’s tax regime, making Brazil’s tax system rather complex, especially when it comes to imports. 
4.64.  Brazil continues to be a frequent user of import and export prohibitions or restrictions on a 
range of commodities. 
4.65.  We would encourage Brazil to continue to open up its market to trade and to implement 
more flexible policies conducive to growth. We would also urge it to consider becoming a signatory 
to the Agreement on Government Procurement. 
4.66.  Our bilateral trading relationship with Brazil is very closed, and mutually very beneficial as 
well. The amount of two-way trade between us in  2011 was valued at US$5.3 billion, which is an 
all-time high. Although this declined slightly to US$5 billion in 2012, Brazil is still our number-one 
trading partner in Central and South America, and we look forward to even greater cooperation between us in the future. 
4.67.  In the written questions to Brazil sent by my delegation in advance, we asked about certain 
aspects of trade policy that are of particular interest to us, such as its foreign investment regime, its preferential agreements and SPS measur es. We thank Brazil for its answers.  
SWITZERLAND 
4.68.  Brazil has weathered the impact of the 2008/2009 financial crisis well and has shown 
respectable growth figures throughout most of  the period under review. In 2011, the country 
became the world’s sixth largest economy. Net debt, for instance, could be brought down from 
43% of GDP in 2007 to 35% today. However, various challenges lie ahead since growth has 
slowed significantly during the last two years, es pecially with a stagnating and falling industrial 
production. Furthermore, infrastructure bottlenecks are widespread.  
4.69.  Brazil is by far Switzerland's most important trading partner in Latin America, accounting for 
40% of our total trade with this region. In 2012, Switzerland was the fourth most important 
foreign investor in Brazil. The stock of Swiss direct investment has reached US$26 billion, 
increasing thus by more than 60% during the review period. Numerous Swiss firms invest in the 
Brazilian market already for decades, thus securing close to 120’000 jobs in the country.  
4.70.  Considering Brazil’s significant growth potential, the Swiss government adopted a foreign 
economic strategy for Brazil in 2006. In this co ntext, Brazil and Switzerland established a Joint 
Economic Commission, covering multilateral-, bilateral and private-sector issues. With great 
interest we also follow Brazil's respective discussions with other countries, especially as an important member of MERCOSUR, with a view to  further deepen our economic and commercial 
relations. 
4.71.  Let me now turn to the review of the Brazili an trade policy as such. I would like to raise five 
issues of specific concern to my Go vernment with some recommendations:  
 First: The report by the Secretariat repeatedly  points out the complexity of Brazil's tax 
 system and the resulting burden for firms. Nu merous and taxes are levied on goods, varying 
 from one federal state to another. Switzerland encourages Brazil to reinforce its efforts to  simplify its tax regime. 
 Second: In Brazil legal entities and individuals need a prior accreditation from the Brazilian 
 Federal Revenue Service for importation. Depending on the type of accreditation, an import  cap in terms of value may be imposed and application procedures can be administratively 
 burdensome. A publicly available register with respective accreditation modalities for each of 
 the Brazilian importers would greatly increase transparency and facilitate foreign companies’  decision when choosing their distribution partner in Brazil.  
 Third: In order to sell pharmaceutical products, producers must obtain an authorization from 
 the National Health Vigilance Agency AN VISA. In this context, ANVISA carries out WT/TPR/M/283 • Brazil 
 
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   inspections abroad. As this practice imposes a considerable financial burden to companies, 
 especially to SMEs, we would like to encourage Brazil to explore all the possibilities provided  for under the WTO TBT Agreement. 
 Fourth: Referring to intellectual property, Switzerland would like to commend Brazil for the 
 efforts carried out in the modernization of the National Institute for Industrial Property, in 
 particular with a view to providing adequate infrastructure to address the rising number of  patent applications. However, we are concerned about ANVISA’s authority to give prior 
 consent for patent applications in the pharmaceutical area. As a result of this procedure, 
 pharmaceutical products may be excluded from patentability examination by the National  Institute for Industrial Property. In fact, it is not clear, if the prior consent procedure  amounts to an additional patentability criterion compared with those established by the 
 TRIPS Agreement and, thus, would be patentable. This situation has led to legal uncertainty. 
 This is why Switzerland, in accordance with TRIPS obligations, encourages Brazil to provide  clarity and insurance that patents are availa ble and patent rights are enjoyable without 
 discriminating between technologies.  
 And finally: the Tendering Law introduced in 2010 significantly altered Brazil's procurement 
 legislation while allowing for preferences given to Brazilian goods and services that are up to 
 25% more expensive than its foreign competitors. This not only weakens international 
 competitiveness of Brazilian firms but also discriminates foreign companies. Furthermore,  this is contradictory to efforts aiming at improving the international procurement framework  as provided for in the successfully revised Government Procurement Agreement in the WTO. 
 Switzerland, therefore, strongly encourages Brazil to join the GPA, with a view to provide 
 legal security to its domestic producers and to improve access to the markets of GPA members.  
4.72.  Let me conclude by emphasizing the important role Brazil plays in the WTO. Especially in 
the run-up to the Bali conference, Brazil’s constructive engagement contributes significantly to the efforts for a meaningful and realistic outcome in December. Finally, we would like to express our 
thanks for the answers we have already received to our written questions, which we will examine 
with great interest. 
PARAGUAY 4.73.  Es un hecho incuestionable que el Brasil  ha tenido un crecimiento sostenido que le ha 
permitido convertirse, cada vez más, en un protagonista del escenario internacional, en las 
diferentes facetas que componen el mismo. Este es un aspecto positivo que debemos resaltar.  
4.74.  Por otro lado quiero destacar la relación del Paraguay con el Brasil. El Paraguay es un país 
sin litoral marítimo, por tanto no hace falta mencionar la importancia que los vecinos tienen para 
este tipo de países. El Brasil es uno de esos vecinos, el más grande teniendo en cuenta el tamaño de su economía y de su población, así como sus dimensiones geográficas. Para el Paraguay, el 
Brasil es un socio de enorme relevancia con una rica relación que se ha incrementado con los 
años, y que abarca aspectos que van mucho más allá de lo meramente comercial. La situación de este país, así como las medidas que adopta, influyen en gran medida en la economía paraguaya, en su desarrollo, que es el de su pueblo.  
4.75.  Ambos países también somos miembros fundadores del MERCOSUR, un ámbito en el que ha 
sido posible una mayor fluidez en las relaciones. Sobre este punto, me gustaría traer la atención hacia un tema muy importante para nosotros: la situación actual de este bloque comercial, la 
situación del MERCOSUR. Como señala en numerosas ocasiones el Informe del Gobierno, la 
integración regional y, en especial, la relación con el MERCOSUR son aspectos fundamentales de la política comercial del Brasil. Estos aspectos son tan o más importantes para el Paraguay. 
4.76.  Si bien podemos comprender que existan divergencias en la manera de llevar adelante 
cualquier relación entre los países, no podemos dejar pasar por alto situaciones que son mencionadas en los Informes, que son la base de este examen; ya que las mismas van más allá de estas divergencias y afectan las disposiciones legales que rigen estas relaciones. En todo lo 
demás podemos disentir y dialogar, buscando entendimiento mutuo, no así en el cumplimiento de 
las leyes. WT/TPR/M/283 • Brazil 
 
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  4.77.  Es por este motivo que el Gobierno del Paraguay se ve obligado a manifestar su rechazo a 
los pasajes de ambos Informes que dan por hecho la membresía plena de la República Bolivariana de Venezuela en el MERCOSUR.  
4.78.  Para conocimiento de los Miembros de la OMC, por respeto a todos ellos y para que no 
prevalezca una versión equivocada de la realidad, estoy obligado a señalar que por evidentes 
violaciones a los Tratados fundacionales del MERCOSUR, y al propio Protocolo de Adhesión de la República Bolivariana de Venezuela, el ingreso de este país al MERCOSUR es totalmente carente 
de legalidad y legitimidad. Y más grave aún es que este hecho se realizó en seguimiento a otra 
flagrante violación de las disposiciones legales del MERCOSUR: la suspensión del Paraguay.  
4.79.  La suspensión que le fue impuesta al Paraguay por los demás Estados Partes del 
MERCOSUR, fue una decisión tomada sin haberse cumplido con los requisitos establecidos en el 
Artículo 4 del “Protocolo de Ushuaia sobre Compromiso Democrático en el MERCOSUR, la 
República de Bolivia y la República de Chile”, que exige la realización de consultas previas con el 
Estado afectado, las cuales no fueron realizadas careciendo por tanto dicha decisión de validez 
jurídica.  
4.80.  También quiero aclarar a los Miembros de esta casa, que el Paraguay, confiando en la 
independencia de los órganos jurídicos del MERCOSUR, trató de llevar esta injusta situación al 
Tribunal Permanente de Revisión del MERCOSUR y establecer un procedimiento de urgencia; no 
obstante, el fondo y la sustancia de este caso no fue tratado por este órgano, señalando que el Paraguay debería primero iniciar un largo y complejo procedimiento que debía ser negociado con Gobiernos que se niegan a tratar con el Paragu ay, y que desembocaría finalmente en el mismo 
Tribunal que ha dictado el Laudo. 
4.81.  Otro aspecto mencionado en el Informe del Gobierno del Brasil tiene que ver con las 
decisiones de los órganos del MERCOSUR adop tadas en ausencia del Paraguay. Brevemente 
permítanme señalar que las mismas también carecen de validez jurídica, todas, porque trasgreden 
los enunciados más básicos de los Tratados constitutivos de este bloque regional, que son la toma de decisión por consenso, y con la presencia de todos los Estados Partes. 
4.82.  La intención de mi país siempre ha sido colaborar con el sistema multilateral de comercio, lo 
hemos demostrado aquí y en todos los ámbitos en los que nos cabe participar. Es por este y por 
otros motivos que siempre defenderemos el respeto del derecho internacional como el mejor mecanismo de relacionamiento entre los Estados. Para países como el Paraguay esta no es una 
opción sino una condición para su supervivencia.  
4.83.  Exhortamos al Brasil a que, desde su posici ón de liderazgo, nos acompañe en la senda de la 
defensa del derecho internacional. Siempre es más importante dejarse guiar por la fuerza del 
derecho que por el derecho de la fuerza. 
SINGAPORE 4.84.  Singapore and Brazil enjoy good bilateral ec onomic ties that have grown steadily in recent 
years. In 2012, Brazil was Singapore’s 3rd largest trading partner in Latin America and Singapore’s 
29th largest trading partner worldwide. Bilateral trade amounted to US$4.3 billion in 2012, a 2.8% 
increase from 2011, due mainly to an increase in exports of optical instruments and apparatus. Exports to Brazil, primarily electronic valves, sh ips and boat structure, engine and motor parts, 
amounted to US$1.7 billion in 2012. Our total impo rts from Brazil have also been increasing, 
amounting to US$2.6 billion in 2012. Top imports from  Brazil included refined petroleum oils and 
meat products. Although Brazil's overall trade surp lus declined in 2012, Brazil's trade surplus with 
Singapore actually grew by 5.6% in 2012. Singapor e is also the fourth largest Asian investor in 
Brazil, with our companies participating in sectors such as oil and gas, ports and shipping, freight 
and logistics, aerospace, consumer electronics, info-communications and commodities. Despite the 
great distance between our two countries, there is excellent potential for our trade and investment 
ties to grow even further.   
4.85.  Our bilateral relationship took a major st ep forward with the establishment of Singapore's 
first Embassy in Latin America in Brasilia in September 2012. Our warm bilateral relations are also 
underpinned by MOUs aimed at promoting overall trade and investment, encouraging interaction WT/TPR/M/283 • Brazil 
 
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  and collaboration between small-medium enterpri ses and cooperation in science and technology. 
Singapore hopes that the two countries will continue to enhance our cooperation through further G-to-G agreements, including those relating to investment and taxation.   
4.86.  As noted in the Secretariat Report, Brazil managed to weather the 2009 global economic 
crisis well and continued to record real annual gr owth of 3.6%, although it experienced significant 
deceleration in 2012. Brazil's success in reducing unemployment, poverty and inequality levels in the period under review is also commendable. We join other Members in welcoming the various 
reforms and improvements that Brazil has undertaken during the period under review, particularly 
in trade facilitation, competition policy and investment. We note the removal of foreign investment restrictions in sectors such as telecommunications, and that significant steps are being undertaken under the Brasil Maior plan to boost competitiveness. The government's planned investments to 
expand the Brazilian rail network and urban railway lines in various cities would also help to 
enhance connectivity and facilitate investment. Here at the WTO, we also welcome Brazil's active role in working closely with other Members to deliver a successful MC9.  
4.87.  We encourage Brazil to pursue progressive policies to address the longstanding structural 
problems affecting its competitiveness, such as the high and complicated tax regime, infrastructure and access to credit. As noted in the Secretariat Report, while the appreciation of 
the Brazilian real and global economic slowdown were factors leading to the recent deceleration of 
Brazil's economy, it also reflected these under lying problems. Brazil would have to consider 
whether certain measures such as temporary tariff increases, introduction of preferential margins in government procurement and export financing programmes with local content requirements 
would indeed serve its long term economic objectives given their possible impacts on consumer 
welfare and foreign investment. We understand th at Brazil undertaking domestic procedures to 
ratify the Fifth Protocol on financial services, and look forward to their completion. We also 
encourage Brazil to consider joining the Agreem ent on Government Procurement and Information 
Technology Agreement, to signal its commitment to forging greater trade liberaliZation.   
4.88.  Singapore is happy to participate in Brazil’s  Trade Policy Review toda y. We thank Brazil for 
their responses to our questions. We trust that the interactions here will prove to be of value to 
Brazil, as you continue to work on improving trade policies and practices for further economic 
growth. 
4.89.  In conclusion, we wish Brazil a very successful sixth trade policy review. We look forward to 
welcoming Brazil’s new Ambassador in due course, and to continuing our good working relations 
with the Brazilian team in Geneva in the common goal of upholding the multilateral trading system. 
CHINA 
4.90.  We are glad to learn that the real GDP growth in Brazil remained robust at 3.6% during the 
period under review. Such growth was driven primarily by vigorous domestic demand and 
favorable external conditions. It was also attributed to Brazil’s sound macroeconomic policies 
aiming at achieving fiscal surplus and inflation target. However, as the Secretariat report stated, long-standing domestic structural problems need to  be addressed so as to sustain higher growth 
level. We note with pleasure that the Brazilia n Government has taken a set of steps under the 
Plano Brasil Maior (the Greater Brazil Plan) to boost its competitiveness, such as by reforming its 
tax regime, reducing the cost of credit, loweri ng the tariff of industrial inputs, improving 
infrastructure, etc.  
4.91.  On the bilateral front, we are glad that China and Brazil enjoy very close economic ties. 
Today China is Brazil’s largest global trading partner, and Brazil is China’s largest trading partner in Latin America. Despite the global economic downturn, our bilateral trade amounted to 
US$86 billion, representing another 1.8% increase year-on-year. Investment also flourishes in 
both directions. China’s total accumulated investment in Brazil has reached US$15 billion, covering wide-range areas such as energy, minerals, infr astructure, manufacturing, agriculture, finance, 
distribution and resale sectors. Brazil’s investment to China totaled US$489 million, covering 
mining, real estate, hydropower and aircrafts. Ch ina will encourage its enterprises to actively 
participate in Brazil's economic development, while welcoming Brazilian companies to invest and operate in China.   WT/TPR/M/283 • Brazil 
 
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  4.92.  On the multilateral front, Brazil is highly respected as one of WTO’s most active participants. 
As indicated in its Government Report, Brazil believes that strengthening the multilateral trading system is essential to attain its development goal. It is commendable that Brazil remains firmly committed to the conclusion of Doha Round in spit e of the impasse since 2008. China shares with 
Brazil that the Doha round must achieve a balanc ed and development-oriented result so as to 
enable all Members, particularly the developing ones, to enjoy the benefits of free trade. China 
looks forward to cooperating with Brazil and other Members in the next few months for a small but 
meaningful package by MC9 and afterwards for a successful conclusion of the whole Round. A 
Brazilian proverb goes: “Good will makes the road shorter”. We believe that, with good will from all Members, the road to the interim-point of Bali and to the finishing line of Doha will be shorter and easier. 
CHILE 
4.93.  Este es el 6º examen de política comercial del Brasil, uno menos que el número de copas 
del mundo en fútbol. Quizás para el próximo mundial esas cifran se igualen. 
4.94.  Brasil y Chile tienen una identidad latinoamericana común y comparten como valores 
fundamentales como la vocación democrática y libertaria; un compromiso irrenunciable con los derechos humanos; y una firme voluntad por combatir la pobreza, la exclusión y la desigualdad 
social. 
4.95.  Ambos países mantenemos visiones similares en los foros internacionales, donde 
compartimos la promoción del multilateralismo, como forma de enfrentar los desafíos de la sociedad internacional. En el ámbito regional, participamos de numerosos esquemas de discusión 
política y de integración como CELAC, UNASUR, Grupo de Río y ALADI.  
4.96.  Las relaciones económico-comerciales entre Chile y Brasil se rigen por el Acuerdo de 
Complementación Económica Nº 35, Chile–MERCOSUR, de octubre de 1996. En la actualidad, casi 
el 98% de los productos negociados goza de arancel cero, restando sólo por desgravarse tres 
productos: azúcar, trigo y harina de trigo. 
4.97.  La relación comercial entre Chile y Brasil es rica y profunda; de hecho es el cuarto socio 
comercial de Chile y Chile es el sexto socio comercial de Brasil en el mundo. 
4.98.  En términos cuantitativos, el 2012 el intercambio comercial con Brasil totalizó casi los 
10.000 (9.245) millones de dólares EE.UU., con un superávit para Brasil. Las exportaciones  chilenas a Brasil llegaron a 4.306 millones de dólares EE.UU., mientras las importaciones 
totalizaron casi los 5.000 (4.939) millones de dólares EE.UU. 
4.99.  Por su parte, la  inversión de Brasil en Chile, llegó a más de 600 millones de dólares EE.UU., 
principalmente en sectores de servicios financieros y minería. Las inversiones directas de Chile en 
Brasil, en cambio, superaron los 12 mil millones de dólares EE.UU., constituyéndose en el tercer 
destino de las inversiones chilenas en el exterior.   
4.100.  Tal como confirma el Informe de la Secretaría, Brasil sorteó la crisis económica mundial 
relativamente bien, gracias a una fuerte demanda interna y externa y a políticas macroeconómicas 
sólidas. Vemos que la economía de Brasil registró sólidos resultados durante la mayor parte del período 2007-2012, aunque desde el segundo semestre de 2011 dicho crecimiento se hizo más lento.  
4.101.  Quisiéramos resaltar el compromiso de Brasil con el multilateralismo, y con las 
negociaciones de la Ronda de Doha, donde ambos países compartimos visiones comunes particularmente en materia agrícola y de disciplinas como es el caso de G-20 agrícola, Grupo 
Cairns, y FANs.  
4.102.  En ese contexto, quisiéramos recordar sus compromisos en nivel del G-20 mundial en 
torno a la necesidad de no caer en la tentación de la vía fácil del proteccionismo. Hacemos este 
llamado porque, a pesar de nuestros acuerdos bilate rales, algunas empresas chilenas se han visto 
afectadas por ciertas medidas comerciales, varias de las cuales ya fueron mencionados por el ponente. Entre ellas cabe mencionar posibles salvaguardias, uso de licencias no automáticas a la WT/TPR/M/283 • Brazil 
 
- 22 - 
 
  importación, impedimentos para la compra de tierras, restricciones por temas de clasificación 
arancelaria, incentivos fiscales distorsionantes y por el uso de medidas anti dumping. Si bien entendemos algunas de estas medidas pueden fundamentarse en los momentos de crisis, instamos a Brasil a dar el ejemplo y a liderar en su condición de una de las economías más 
relevantes del mundo avanzando hacia mercados mas abiertos. 
UKRAINE 4.103.  Ukraine admits and acknowledges Brazil's proactive role in the WTO and its continued solid 
commitment to strengthening the multilateral trade system. Inputs and proposals presented by 
Brazil, independently or together with other Members cover agriculture, trade in services, intellectual property rights, and trade rules.  
4.104.  A few comments on the current affairs. The economy of Brazil showed a strong 
performance during 2007-12 period, with real GDP growth averaging 3.6% Growth benefitted from 
strong domestic demand and favorable external conditions for Brazilian products. Economic growth and progressive income policies has allowed Brazil  to make major step towards reducing poverty 
and income inequality. 
4.105.  I would like to stress that Brazil is very important trade and economic partner for Ukraine 
not only as a South American region partner but on the global scale. In 2012 the total volume of 
bilateral trade between Ukraine and Brazil grew by 24%. Export of Ukrainian goods to Brazil 
increased by 31%, and imports of Brazilian goods grew by 18%.  
4.106.  Despite the positive aspects of the record described in the Reports, however, there are 
areas of concern for us, especially regarding: 
 raising tariffs for whatever the justification may be; 
 some export support programmes; 
 tax privileges granted to goods originating in preferential trading partners;  
 import licensing regime; 
 the increased quantity of trade remedy investigations, including those initiated against 
 Ukrainian tires and flat-rolled steel. 
4.107.  Ukraine welcomes further cooperation on  trade matters with our Brazilian colleagues. 
INDONESIA
  
4.108.  Brazil has always been among Indonesia's most important trading partners in Latin 
America region. Trade balance between the two count ries has been growing significantly over the 
past five years. We recorded that in 2012, the total value of our trade reached US$3.45 billion, 
6.5% higher compared to 2010. Indonesia's export to Brazil reached US$1.48 billion in 2012, while its import from the country was US$1.97 billion. These figures reflect the strong economic ties 
between the two countries. We have every confidence that our economic relations will continue to 
grow in the future. 
4.109.  In light of these, Indonesia perceives that the ease of trade flows between the two 
countries could be enhanced. We see that there are still some policy adjustments expected from 
the Government of Brazil. Indonesia notices that several Brazil's trade policies, to some extent, 
have impaired Indonesia's legitimate interest of exports to the country. 
4.110.  Brazil applies federal and state taxes as well as charges to imports that can effectively 
double the actual cost of imported products in Brazil. The complexities of the domestic tax system, 
including multiple cascading taxes and tax disputes among the various states, pose numerous challenges for Indonesian companies operating in Brazil. We really hope that through this TPR, the 
Government of Brazil will reconsider to simplify its tax system. 
4.111.  In addition, we also noted with concern that during the period under review, there were 
allegations made by the Brazilian companies and circumvention on some imported dumping 
products, including those from Indonesia. This w ill potentially affect the strengthened bilateral 
trade between the two countries. Thus, Indonesia urges Brazil to comply with the WTO provisions. WT/TPR/M/283 • Brazil 
 
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  4.112.  We also note that Brazil has not fulfilled its obligation to notify some of its recent trade 
policies on a few areas, such as import licensing, agriculture export subsidies and new mutual recognition agreement (MRAs) on conformity assessment date from 2011. Therefore, we 
encourage Brazil to meet its obligation to notify  Members on these areas. Indonesia is confident 
that as one of the key players in WTO negotiations, Brazil will ensure that its trade-related policies 
are in line with the WTO provisions and become a role model for other WTO Members. 
JAPAN 
4.113.  Let me start with Brazil’s macroeconomic environment and policies. According to the 
Report by the Secretariat, the Brazilian economy recorded real GDP growth averaging 3.6% a year 
supported by the sound macroeconomic policies and the strong domestic and foreign demand. However, its growth slowed down significantly in the second half of 2011 and in 2012. Japan hopes 
that Brazil will make efforts to address structural reforms, aiming at reinvigorating of economic 
growth. 
4.114.  Now let me move to trade and trade-related policies. Here, we have three general points 
and four specific points.  
4.115.  On the general points, First, the WTO. Brazil has been actively participating in WTO 
activities, including submitting various proposal s in negotiations. Moreover, Ambassador Azevêdo 
was elected as the next Director General with the consensus of WTO Members. It is very important 
that Brazil, as a player with responsibility, continues its strong commitment for strengthening the multilateral trading system led by the WTO. 
4.116.  Second, trade protectionist measures. As has been pointed out in the Council for Trade in 
Goods and other relevant WTO bodies, Brazil initiated many protectionist measures for the 
domestic industries exposed to international competition. Japan has strong concerns that those protectionist measures result in lack of transparency and unpredictability of Brazil’s trading 
system. Japan hopes that Brazil will address this concern reflecting the G-20 leader’s commitment 
declaring resistance to protectionism. 
4.117.  Third, investment. Although Brazil has been actively encouraging foreign investment, some 
problems are reported, such as the delay of permission procedures for the establishment of 
corporations and for building and operating factories. Japan hopes that Brazil will make efforts to improve those problems in a proper manner. 
4.118.  Now, let me turn to the four specific points.  
4.119.  First, reductions of the tax on industrial products (IPI), in particular, on automobiles. The 
Brazilian Government published the Programme of Incentives Technological Innovation and Production Strengthening in the Automotive Industry (INOVAR-AUTO) in April of last year, and 
issued Presidential Decree No. 7,819 providing the details of the programme. Based on taking the 
presidential decree into force, Brazil has reduced the IPI on automobiles manufactured by corporations which meet certain conditions from 1
st January 2013. 
4.120.  As this measure is envisaged to protect domestic industry and will provide advantages 
pertaining to internal taxes on the products of specific countries, they can be implemented inconsistently with the relevant provisions under the WTO, in particular national treatment and MFN obligations. Japan has strong concerns about the measure from a systemic point of view. 
4.121.  Second, national technology preferences on a bid for radio spectrum. The national 
telecommunications agency of Brazil, ANATEL, conducted an auction on radio spectrum for 
commercial mobile services, requiring winning bidders to commit to purchase goods, equipment, 
systems, and data networks with Brazilian national technology. Japan has strong concerns, in 
particular on the consistency of this measure with WTO agreements.  
4.122.  Third, intellectual property rights, inter alia , licensing contracts and contracts for 
technology transfer including contracts for providing know-how. In Brazil, in order to send royalties 
to foreign countries, licensing contracts of intellectual property rights and contracts for technology transfer must be registered with the National Industrial Property Institute (INPI). However, there WT/TPR/M/283 • Brazil 
 
- 24 - 
 
  are various restrictions for the registration which are obstacles to technology transfer from foreign 
enterprises to Brazil. Japan hopes that Brazil  will remove these obstacles, for instance: 
 Brazil is requested the elimination of the limita tion on the rate of royalties which, according 
 to the current regulation, must be less than 5% of the total sales. It is also encouraged to 
 remove the limitation of the period of such contract, which is currently 5 years maximum. 
 Brazil is also requested to abolish the limitation of the period of contract requiring the 
 confidentiality. 
 Further, Brazil is requested to allow remittances related to intellectlral property license 
 under application, which is not yet registered, as well as to introduce licenses on know-how. 
4.123.  Fourth, taxation. Currently, imports to Brazil are subject to a number of internal taxes, 
including the Tax on the Circulation of Goods and Services (ICMS), contributions to the social 
integration programme (PIS), and contributions to social security (COFINS). Those taxes are 
accumulated, and may result in extremely high re tail prices for consumers. Japan requests Brazil 
to simplify those various taxations. In addition, Br azil is strongly requested to improve the system, 
where no drawback of such taxes is impl emented when the products are exported. 
MÉXICO 4.124.  Es de congratularse el que, a pesar de los efectos adversos de la crisis económica mundial 
y gracias al buen manejo de su política macroeconómica, así como a una fuerte demanda interna y 
externa, la economía brasileña creció a una tasa promedio de 3,6% en el periodo que abarca este 
examen (2007-2012). El crecimiento económico, junto con diversas políticas sociales, ha permitido reducir los niveles de pobreza y la desigualdad del ingreso, habiendo mostrado esta última en el 
2011 su punto más bajo desde hace cincuenta años. Ha sido importante la contribución que el 
crecimiento económico ha tenido sobre el aumento del empleo formal, el cual tuvo tasas de crecimiento positivas (alrededor de 4%), incluso du rante los años más fuertes de la crisis mundial. 
4.125.  Sin embargo, Brasil tiene una serie de retos para mantener la senda del crecimiento y 
alcanzar la equidad social.  
4.126.  Uno de los retos más importantes es contrarrestar la reducción de su productividad, la cual 
está relacionada con los siguientes factores.  
 Una infraestructura inadecuada. Existe una saturación en la infraestructura portuaria y 
 aeroportuaria. Muchos de los puertos y aeropuertos brasileños están funcionando por  encima de su capacidad y se requieren grandes inversiones para satisfacer el incremento de 
 la demanda de esos servicios.  
 Carga tributaria elevada y un sistema tributario complicado, que es un impedimento para el 
 desarrollo de los negocios.  
 Exceso de regulación en los mercados labora les, que eleva los costos de las empresas e 
 impide en muchos casos los ajustes requeridos ante los desafíos que se enfrentan en el  entorno económico internacional.  
 Alto costo del crédito bancario. Si bien se han introducido medidas para reducir el costo del 
 crédito, los diferenciales de tipos de interés siguen siendo altos. El diferencial medio en el  2012 correspondió a un 24,3%. Sigue siendo muy caro pedir prestado independientemente  de la tasa pasiva de intereses. 
4.127.  Otro problema que enfrenta Brasil, que ha dañado su capacidad competitiva, es una serie 
de obstáculos aplicables a la importación, entre los que destacan:  
 Aumento temporal de aranceles. En el segundo semestre del 2012, Brasil aumentó los tipos 
 aplicados a 100 líneas arancelarias por un período de 12 meses. Una proporción 
 considerable de las líneas arancelarias cuyos tipos aplicados se aumentaron en 2012 son WT/TPR/M/283 • Brazil 
 
- 25 - 
 
   manufacturas. Alentamos al Gobierno brasileño a reducir los aranceles a sus niveles 
 anteriores. 
 Sistema de licencias de importación no automática. Se estima que 40% de las importaciones 
 de Brasil requieren de una licencia previa de importación. La expedición de una licencia de 
 importación no automática puede tomar hasta 60 días y, en algunos casos, se requiere 
 licencias de más de una entidad gubernamen tal. Existen 16 organismos gubernamentales 
 involucrados en la expedición de licencias de  importación de diversos productos. Alentamos 
 al Gobierno brasileño a eliminar su sistema de licencias no automáticas que distorsionan los 
 flujos comerciales y encarecen las importaciones.  
4.128.  Además, cabe destacar que el informe de la OMC para el G-20 sobre medidas comerciales, 
que abarca el periodo medidos de octubre de 2012 a mediados de mayo de 2013, destaca que 
Brasil fue una de las cuatro economías que introdujo más medidas restrictivas al comercio.   
4.129.  En relación a los procedimientos para el despacho de importaciones, el Banco Mundial 
señala en su informe Doing Business 2013 que el tiempo total que se necesita para importar 
mercancías en Brasil es de 17 días y el tiempo medio para el despacho de aduana aumentó de 
41 horas en el 2011 a 53 horas en el 2012. El tiempo y costo (excluyendo aranceles) requerido para exportar e importar un cargamento estándar de mercaderías por transporte marítimo ha 
aumentado sustancialmente en los últimos años. Nos gustaría conocer qué medidas ha tomado o 
piensa instrumentar Brasil con objeto de mejo rar la administración aduanera y fiscal.  
4.130.  Por otro lado, el sector manufacturero ha perdido dinamismo. Su participación en el PIB 
total se redujo 3.3 puntos porcentuales entre el 2007 y 2012. Esta caída puede atribuirse a 
muchos de los factores que señalé anteriormente.  
4.131.  Por el contrario, en servicios se ha buscado mejorar sustancialmente. Es el sector que más 
contribuye a la producción y generación de empleo en Brasil. Cambios recientes a la legislación de 
telecomunicaciones, han permitido a los operadores mayor flexibilidad para ofrecer servicios 
convergentes acorde con las tendencias internacionales. Respecto al sector financiero, éste ha mostrado avances, particularmente en el desarrollo de su mercado de valores, pero enfrenta 
desafíos para incrementar la intermediación financiera y reducir el costo crediticio.  
EUROPEAN
 UNION 
4.132.  The last review of Brazil was in 2009. In its conclusions at the time, the Chair underlined 
the economic success achieved by Brazil stressing that it was relatively well prepared to face the 
global financial crisis, in which it has set an example by initially resisting protectionist pressures.  
4.133.  During the years under review, Brazil indeed weathered the global economic crisis well, 
supported by strong domestic and foreign demand and sound macroeconomic policies.  
4.134.  In addition to being a major trade partner, Brazil also represents an important counterpart 
to the EU in the context of the negotiations for an EU-MERCOSUR Association Agreement. We 
appreciate the positive role that the Brazilian Government plays in these negotiations and we 
expect to make important steps forward this year. 
4.135.  After the strong performance of the Braz ilian economy during the period 2007-2012, with 
real GDP growth averaging 3.6% a year, more re cent data seem to show that Brazil may be 
entering a new phase of economic development characterised by lower real growth since the 
second half of 2011. Growth has decelerated sign ificantly and the average real growth rate for 
2012 was just 0.9%. Some adjustments reflecting this  situation are also visible in Brazilian foreign 
trade balance that is showing a relative slowdown in exports. As noted by the WTO Secretariat 
report, this loss of dynamism can only be partly attributed to the appreciation of the Brazilian real 
and the global economic slowdown, and it also reflects long-standing structural problems affecting the Brazilian economy's competitiveness such as inadequate infrastructure, insufficient access to 
credit, and a very high tax burden. 
4.136.  To address these problems, the Government has adopted, among others, measures that 
have a restrictive impact on trade, including increasing tariffs temporarily, and using preferential WT/TPR/M/283 • Brazil 
 
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  margins for domestic goods and services in government procurement. It has also increased its use 
of export credits. 
4.137.  The WTO Secretariat notes in several parts of its report the marked policy orientation 
taken by Brazil which is to privilege national production rather than the opening of the economy to 
international trade and investment.  
4.138.  The EU regrets that Brazil, after having resisted the temptation to resort to protectionist 
measures for a certain number of years, it is now determined to pursue what increasingly appears 
as a protectionist industrial policy, running in many respects counter to its international 
commitments. 
4.139.  The EU is particularly concerned about the ri se of significant barriers to trade in Brazil. As 
the largest economy of Latin America, its trade with the EU accounts for 37% of the EU's total 
trade with the Latin American region. The EU is Braz il’s first largest export destination. That makes 
Brazil the 10th largest source of imports into EU. As regards investments, Brazil holds 43% of the entire EU Investment stocks in Latin America. 
4.140.  Let me now underline that, in our view, th e most problematic and growing practices used 
by Brazil to restrict imports and subsidise domestic producers appear to be via indirect taxation. 
4.141.  Tax exemptions are sometimes linked to the fulfilment of local content requirements or the 
respect of export contingency conditions, which is highly problematic. The programme Inovar-Auto 
for motor vehicles is emblematic, but it is just one illustration of a broader problem. 
4.142.  Furthermore, allow me to highlight that many EU entrepreneurs in Brazil are faced with 
heavy bureaucracy, complex and not always transparent regulation and legislation, late noticing of 
changes in import-rates and rules and labelling requirements, overall high transaction costs and 
unpredictability when dealing with customs authorities.  
4.143.  The EU advanced questions detail a number of measures that are considered and 
confirmed by EU operators as serious obstacles to trade. I will list only some of them: 
4.144.  As indicated by the questions put forward by the EU, we are seriously concerned about the 
extensive use of subsidies and/or additional protection granted through indirect taxation. In this 
context, we need to highlight: 
 local content requirements beyond the field of indirect taxation; 
 subsidies to domestic producers through other tax breaks (e.g. payroll taxes) and through 
 the activity of the BNDES (Banco Nacional do Desenvolvimento); 
 increased protectionists measures in government procurement such as preferences for 
 domestic goods and services as well as imposition of offsets; and 
 support to exports through export financing, tax benefits, export promotion and other 
 instruments. 
4.145.  We have also expressed our concern about Brazil’s decision to raise the applied rates on 
100 tariff lines, deviating from the Mercosur Common External Tariff. This is causing considerable 
problems to EU operators. These problems may be multiplied if a further decision to raise tariffs 
for another 100 products is adopted again this year , as per the recently held public consultation 
exercise.  
4.146.  Then, the EU has also submitted questi ons regarding the cumbersome requirements and 
audits needed to obtain certification of industrial products and sanitary and phytosanitary approval 
for certain imported products. 
4.147.  The EU is confident that this TPR will provide the opportunity to examine the measures 
adopted by the government and assess their real  impact on the economy of the country and on 
the WTO Members gathered today. The EU hopes that this will also help Brazil in reviewing its own WT/TPR/M/283 • Brazil 
 
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  policies so as to ensure that they are the most efficient for attaining its economic and social 
objectives while respecting its international commitments in this forum. 
4.148.  The EU has expressed serious concerns today with respect to Brazil's current policies and 
the impact on trade and investment. But let me conclude by stressing that the EU does so in the 
belief that this exercise will allow for frank constructive dialogue for the mutual benefit when the 
situation so requires. 
SOUTH  AFRICA 
4.149.  South Africa’s relationship with Brazil ha s continued to strengthen during the period under 
review. Our relationship spans various levels, including bilateral -trilateral relations, such as the India-Brazil-South Africa Dialogue Forum (IBSA) and region to region – such as SACU-MERCOSUR, 
as well as plurilaterally via the Brazil-Russia-In dia-China-South Africa or “BRICS” Partnership.  
4.150.  In the WTO, South Africa collaborates with Brazil in the G-20 and Cairns groups on 
Agriculture and in the NAMA11. 
4.151.  Brazil is South Africa’s largest trading partner in Latin America. At the bilateral level, we 
have signed many MOUs related to trade and investment promotion, taxation, Standards and 
Technical Regulations and Conformity Assessment. In addition, since 2010, we have endeavoured to resolve our trade concerns between the two count ries by means of the implementation of a fast 
track mechanism. 
4.152.  At the regional level, we have also concluded in 2009 the SACU-MERCOSUR Preferential 
Trade Agreement. 
4.153.  On the investment front, Brazil has become a critical investment partner for South Africa, 
both in terms of incoming and outgoing investments and we have collaborated concertedly to 
identify mutual synergies.   
4.154.  We would like to commend Brazil for its strong growth performance during the period 
under review, boosted by sound and consistent macroeconomic policies. As an economy 
characterized by crippling unemployment, inequality and persistent poverty, we understand and appreciate the steps Brazil has taken to overcome these challenges and the marked progress it 
has achieved towards reducing poverty and income  inequality and boosting employment. We also 
applaud Brazil’s efforts to deal with its structural problems via positive initiatives under the industrial plan Brasil Maior, introduced in 2011, in an effort to boost Brazil’s competitiveness. 
4.155.  We are confident that Brazil, will act wisely in avoiding the indiscriminant use of restrictive 
trade measures. We note in this regard that Brazil's use of anti-dumping measures generally 
showed an upward trend during the review peri od. We trust that all Brazil’s trade remedy 
investigations will be conducted transparently, diligently and in full compliance with WTO rules. 
4.156.  There are several specific features of Brazil’s trade and investment regime which are of 
particular interest to South Africa, and we have submitted questions on some aspects to the Brazilian delegation, via the Secretariat. We thank the delegation of Brazil for their comprehensive 
answers in this regard. 
4.157.  Finally we would like to thank Brazil for making a significant contribution to the WTO by 
supporting Ambassador Roberto Azervedo to be our next Director-General. 
CANADA 
4.158.  The constructive engagement at the WTO is obviously important in our preparations for the 
Ninth Ministerial Conference in Bali (MC9). We count on Brazil to promote pragmatic and thus achievable outcomes on sensitive issues where Me mbers are far apart, and especially on the two 
G-20 proposals on agriculture where Brazil is leading and the beneficial by-product is Mr. Azevedo 
when he takes office, too. WT/TPR/M/283 • Brazil 
 
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  4.159.  Turning to the Review, Brazil must be commended for its success in maintaining a strong 
economic performance since the global financial crisis while at the same time making immense progress on social inclusion and the eradication of poverty in the country. During the last decade, more than 40 million Brazilians came out of poverty to join the ranks of the middle class. Brazil’s 
commitment to the prudent management of public finances has allowed it to achieve an 
impressively low net public sector debt to GDP ratio of 35 %. With this success, Brazil has lowered its interest rates considerably. The improved business environment, reflected in Brazil’s 
commitment to open its infrastructure sector to foreign private investment, has resulted in an 
increase in imports since the time of the global  economic recession. These measures portend well 
for the sustainable growth of Brazil in the years to come. 
4.160.  However, a number of policies that Brazil has adopted since the previous trade policy 
review call into question their commitment to maintaining open markets and international trade, 
not to mention their pledge as a G-20 member to refrain from imposing new protectionist measures. Permit me to highlight those of most concern to Canada. 
4.161.  First, we are disappointed by Brazil’s deci sion, as part of MERCOSUR, to increase tariff 
barriers on over 100 tariff lines, with the possibility  that this will be extended to another 100 lines.   
4.162.  Secondly, while Canada commends Brazil’s efforts to increase domestic industrial 
competitiveness, productivity and innovation through its “Plano Brasil Maior”, we are concerned 
that it has extended trade restrictive measures that create disadvantages to foreign companies in manufacturing sectors as cited by others.    
4.163.  Thirdly, we regret the increasingly pervas ive pattern of adoption of policies in various 
sectors, such as the application of high local content requirements, non-automatic licencing 
requirements, temporary increase of excise duties on imported goods, and the introduction of tax 
programs aimed to expand export financing in Br azil’s automotive, telecommunications, chemicals, 
textiles, and oil and gas sectors. 
4.164.  Such measures, which can provide short-term protection for domestic industries, have 
proven over the long term to be the road to economic decline.  
4.165.  We also consider that the 2010 Buy Brazilian Act can be a substantial barrier for foreign 
companies, as it mandates preference in government procurement for goods produced by Brazilian firms or by foreign companies that have invested in research and technology development in Brazil. We encourage Brazil to undertake open, transparent and non-discriminatory procurement 
practices as a means of optimising competition among suppliers, thereby offering Brazilian 
government customers and consumers access to the most innovative goods and services available. For similar reasons, we continue to encourage Brazil to take the necessary steps to become a 
party to the WTO Agreement on Government Procurement.    
4.166.  With this increase in the incidence of such trade-restrictive measures, Brazil risks 
becoming increasingly isolated from global trade flows which in turn could negatively impact the 
growth and competitiveness of the Brazilian econom y. The slowdown in Brazil’s growth momentum 
over the past two years, which as mentioned by many others, as well as a growing current account deficit and increasing inflation, serve to underscore how barriers to trade fail to secure growth, jobs and prosperity. Going forward, further downwa rd revisions of the country’s growth projections 
by banks, international organizations and scholar s. These are signs of concern. Additionally, 
according to the World Bank, Brazil still has one of the lowest import-to-GDP ratios among all World Bank members.  
4.167.  On the bilateral front, Canada maintains great interest in pursuing closer economic, trade 
and investment ties with Brazil. We are grateful for the leadership Brazil has demonstrated over the course of our exploratory free trade discussions with MERCOSUR, and we are continuing to 
work with Brazil, and its MERCOSUR partners, in an effort to find a mutually acceptable way 
forward. We are, nevertheless, concerned about what appear to be growing divisions within 
MERCOSUR over the future direction of the bloc  and question how these divisions will affect 
MERCOSUR’s ability to engage with third countries. We trust Brazil can encourage and promote 
policies within MERCOSUR that will help stimulate economic opportunity and prosperity.  WT/TPR/M/283 • Brazil 
 
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  4.168.  Allow me to close by underlining that he ex cellent relationship Brazil and Canada enjoyed. 
We think this is a good example of the positive benefits that can accrue from a mutually supportive and mature economic and political relationship. Canada considers that there is tremendous untapped potential in this relationship, particularly, as our observations today 
suggest, as Brazil has untapped opportunity to realize its own full potential. 
REPÚBLICA
 DOMINICANA 
4.169.  Brasil es un importante socio de la República Dominicana tanto en términos comerciales 
como de inversiones. En el año 2012, 30% de la inversión extranjera directa recibida en República 
Dominicana fue de origen brasileño por un total de 1,081.2 millone s de dólares EE.UU. (compra de 
la Cervecería Nacional). República Dominicana realizó importaciones desde Brasil en ese mismo año por casi 500 millo nes de dólares EE.UU., aunque nuestras exportaciones a este país no han 
aumentado al ritmo que desearíamos, alcanzan do aproximadamente 8.5 millones de dólares 
EE.UU. en el 2012.  
4.170.  En este su sexto examen de su política comercial deseamos felicitar al Gobierno de Brasil 
ya que ha podido hacer frente a la crisis económica mundial, gracias a una fuerte demanda interna 
y externa y a políticas macroeconómicas sólidas. También, indica el Informe de la Secretaría, el Brasil ha contribuido a la recuperación de la economía mundial mediante el aumento importante de 
sus importaciones. Brasil registró sólidos resultados, con un crecimiento medio del PIB real del 
3,6% anual entre 2007 y 2012.   
4.171.  Este crecimiento económico sostenido durante casi un decenio, junto con salarios mínimos 
más elevados y programas sociales, permitieron al Brasil realizar importantes progresos en la 
reducción de la pobreza y la desigualdad de los in gresos, al tiempo que los datos sobre el empleo 
mejoraron. Sin embargo, entre el segundo semestre de 2011 y mediados de 2012 el crecimiento se desaceleró de forma significativa. La pérdida de dinamismo puede atribuirse en parte a la aguda 
apreciación que sufrió la moneda brasileña y a la desaceleración de la economía mundial, ya que 
ambos fenómenos dieron lugar a una reducción de la demanda de exportaciones brasileñas, pero, indica el informe de la Secretaría, también refleja problemas estructurales de larga data que 
afectan a la competitividad de la economía del país (infraestructura inadecuada, carga tributaria 
muy elevada, mercados laborales sumamente regulados y costos de producción relativamente elevados en general). 
4.172.  Sin embargo, es importante resaltar que la apreciación por efecto de una burbuja 
cambiaria causada por el flujo de capitales especulativos en busca de ganancias por diferenciales 
de tasas de interés refuerza los problemas estructurales en vista de que esta apreciación insostenible de la moneda genera una mejoría artificial en los niveles de inflación y en los ingresos 
nacionales en términos de moneda extranjera, incrementándose la capacidad en la demanda de 
bienes y servicios externos al abaratarse sus precios, hecho que agudiza la falta de competitividad de las empresas nacionales y deteriora las cuentas corrientes externas. Estos problemas se 
exacerban cuando se pincha la burbuja, que es lo acontecido recientemente en Brasil. Así vemos 
como un problema en la cuenta de capital de corto plazo, a la larga afecta el mediano plazo de los flujos comerciales. 
4.173.  A los fines de mejorar sus niveles de competitividad, el Gobierno de Brasil ha adoptado 
medidas para eliminar los obstáculos de infraestructura mediante concesiones y alianzas público-
privadas, se redujeron las cargas por energía y la carga tributaria de algunos sectores manufactureros. Exhortamos al Gobierno de Brasil a continuar haciendo esfuerzos en este sentido, 
pues es importante mejorar la baja competitividad industrial, si desean seguir por la senda del 
crecimiento económico sostenible y reducción de la pobreza. A estos fines, sería importante reforzar la infraestructura con la participación de capital privado, teniendo en cuenta que Brasil es 
el sexto lugar en el mundo en recepción de inversión extranjera directa.   
4.174.  Es importante destacar que Brasil tiene un enorme potencial para convertirse en un 
importante exportador de bienes manufacturado s elevando el valor agregado a sus bienes 
primarios. Para su logro es importante que redu zca la enorme dependencia que todavía tiene el 
sector externo de las exportaciones de productos básicos cuya dependencia introduce una gran 
incertidumbre en el comportamiento de su economía por las fuertes fluctuaciones que se producen en los precios mundiales de estos mercados. Un mayor énfasis en recursos dirigidos al desarrollo y WT/TPR/M/283 • Brazil 
 
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  mejoramiento de la capacitación educativa y de la innovación y desarrollo tecnológico sería 
fundamental para estos propósitos. 
4.175.  El Informe de la Secretaría indica que para apoyar a los sectores afectados por la pérdida 
de competitividad, el Gobierno también adoptó medidas que pueden repercutir en el comercio, 
como el aumento temporal de los aranceles, la ut ilización de márgenes preferenciales para bienes 
y servicios nacionales en la contratación pública y el aumento de los créditos a la exportación. A este respecto, deseamos sugerir a Brasil el hacer mayores esfuerzos en la apertura comercial, a 
los fines de potenciar el crecimiento económico. 
4.176.  Nos complace ver por otro lado, que durante el período objeto de examen, el Brasil adoptó 
medidas para simplificar y modernizar sus procedimientos aduaneros. También el 100% de su arancel está consolidado en la OMC a tipos ad valorem , lo que da mayor transparencia y 
previsibilidad al comercio internacional.   
4.177.  Nos llama la atención que se indica en el Informe de la Secretaría que Brasil es un usuario 
importante de medidas comerciales correctivas, en particular medidas antidumping: en el período 
objeto de examen, en todos los años, salvo en 2009, sobrepasó las tendencias históricas. En los 
nueve primeros meses de 2012, el Brasil inició 47 nuevas investigaciones, superando de ese modo el máximo de 40 investigaciones alcanzado en 2010. En este sentido, deseamos señalar que este 
es un derecho que le asiste a Brasil en el marco de la OMC, y solo esperamos que las 
investigaciones sean realizadas de la manera más rigurosa, apegada a los acuerdos de la OMC, de 
forma tal que estas medidas no se convierta en un obstáculo para el flujo comercial. 
REPUBLIC
 OF KOREA 
4.178.  We are very pleased to note that the re lationship between our two countries is, and will 
remain one of the most prosperous and mutually  beneficial partnerships as evidenced by an 
ever-growing network of contacts across a wide spectrum of bilateral relations.  
4.179.  In particular, it is a source of satisfacti on that our economic relations have continued to 
deepen. Our bilateral trade has steadily increased with its volume reaching US$17.1 billion in 2012. This represents an almost two-fold incr ease since Brazil’s previous TPR in 2009. Our 
future-oriented economic partnership is also ch aracterized by growing investment relations. 
Korea’s total stock of investment in Brazil reached US$4.8 billion in 2012. It is no surprise that the 
number of Korean businesses operating in Brazil doubled from 93 to 208 over the last five years. In an effort to further strengthen this mome ntum, Korea held in Seoul last week the 2nd 
Korea-Brazil Business Forum under the name of “Business Strategy and Investment in Brazil.” 
Given the complementary nature of both economies,  we are confident that both countries will be 
able to bring their relations to new heights in the coming years. Surely, some 50,000 ethnic 
Koreans in Brazil very much look forward to it as this year they celebrate the 50th anniversary of 
their immigration to Brazil.  
4.180.  It is worth noting that the Brazilian economy recorded strong performance during most of 
the period between 2007 and 201 2, with GDP growth averaging 3.6% per annum, while Brazil’s 
exports increased at an average rate of 8.6% duri ng the same period. Brazil’s exports of mining 
and agricultural products accounted for most of its growth, increasing at annual averages of 15.4% and 12.3% respectively. Equally increasing is the fact that as a way of further facilitating 
this trend of increasing trade, Brazil sought to expand trade partners, while strengthening trade 
ties with Asia, including Korea, during the period under review. 
4.181.  Notwithstanding this, as the Secretariat Report notes that, Brazil’s economy has declined 
since the second half of 2011 partly due to the global economic slow-down and appreciation of 
Brazilian real. Given the situation, the Brazilian Government has actively taken steps to address structural issues and to enhance competitiveness under the Plano Brasil Maior.  
4.182.  We would like to take this opportunity to echo the concern expressed by Members over 
some of the trade measures that the Government of Brazil has taken. Not only through the advance written questions for this TPR, but also  previously at the WTO TRIMS and the Trade in 
Goods Council meetings, Members indicated the possible inconsistency of those measures with the 
WTO rules and principles. Examples of such meas ures include tax preferences linked to the local WT/TPR/M/283 • Brazil 
 
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  content conditions and certain requirements under INOVAR-AUTO. Members are also concerned 
about the frequent use of the trade remedy measures and tendering law which prefers the local supplier or producer. In this regard, we very much hope and trust that the Brazilian Government will work closely with other Members to address these concerns in a timely and appropriate 
manner.   
4.183.  As the Secretariat highlights, we would also like to acknowledge our appreciation for the 
fact that Brazil has actively participated in the multilateral trading system. We hope and expect 
that Brazil continue to make meaningful contributions towards further strengthening the 
multilateral trading system.  
4.184.  We are at the critical juncture. The stakes for the success of the MC9 in Bali could never be 
higher. We trust that Brazil will play an important role in helping ensure the success of the Bali 
Ministerial. Furthermore, given that the Brazilian DG of the WTO will only elevate the importance 
of Brazil in the international setting, we woul d like to see this TPR to provide much needed 
appreciation, expectation, and shared assessment regarding Brazil’s trade policy.   
COLOMBIA 
4.185.  El 27 de marzo de 2013, la Presidente Sra. Dilma Rousseff, durante una reunión cumbre 
de los BRICS en África del Sur, dijo “Nuestro camino es encontrar nuevas soluciones que 
garanticen un mayor crecimiento de los países emergentes con el fin de garantizar la creación de 
empleos de calidad, el uso de la ciencia, la tecnología y la innovación, al tiempo que aumenta el bienestar de nuestros ciudadanos que todavía están muy lejos de ser economías muy avanzadas. Al hacer esto, estamos también dando una gran contribución a la recuperación de la economía 
internacional, debido al dinamismo de nuestros países y de nuestras economías”. 
4.186.  En efecto, el Informe de la Secretaria señala cómo durante buena parte del período objeto 
de examen, la economía brasileña pudo sortear la crisis financiera global y contribuir a la 
recuperación económica mundial. Brasil supo aprovechar la fuerte demanda para sus productos en 
los mercados internacionales y el Gobierno desarrolló una serie de políticas de ingresos y cambiarias, que permitieron mejorar sus indicadores externos. Cabe destacar los esfuerzos del 
Gobierno brasileño para desarrollar programas sociales que han permitido salarios más elevados, 
crecimiento del empleo, reducción de la pobreza y la desigualdad. 
4.187.  La economía brasileña mostró a lo largo del periodo 2007-2012 un crecimiento anual 
promedio de 3,6%, con fluctuaciones. Sin embargo, desde finales de 2011 perdió dinamismo, 
ocasionando que para el 2012 el PIB solo creciera el 0,9%. Estas condiciones han llevado a la 
adopción de medidas tales como aumentos temporales de aranceles y créditos a la exportación con efectos en el comercio, la demanda interna y las inversiones. 
4.188.  Siendo Brasil la mayor economía de América Latina y la séptima a nivel mundial, está 
llamada a recuperar la senda de crecimiento. Su desafío en los años que vienen parecen concentrarse en generar nuevas oportunidades para que su sector productivo aumente su 
eficiencia, con políticas orientadas a mejorar la competitividad, la confianza empresarial en el 
gobierno, la infraestructura de transporte y la calidad en la educación, factores que han sido reconocidos por el Foro Económico Mundial como potenciadores del desarrollo en Brasil. 
4.189.  Apreciamos en el período objeto de examen un notable comportamiento del comercio 
exterior brasileño; el comercio global pasó de 281 mil millones de dólares EE.UU. en el 2007 a 
465 mil millones de dólares EE.UU. en el 2012, mostrando superávit en su balanza comercial durante el periodo del examen. 
4.190.  Cabe destacar la deficitaria balanza de servicios, que para el periodo 2007-2012 aumentó 
en un 112%, ocasionado por las transferencias al exterior de las empresas extranjeras y pagos de deuda pública. Se espera que para los próximos años estas cifras sean mitigadas por los efectos 
del incremento de turistas en Brasil por la Copa Mundial de Futbol y los Juegos Olímpicos. 
4.191.  Quizá el rasgo más marcado de la política comercial exterior de Brasil en los últimos años 
haya sido la búsqueda activa de la diversificación geográfica de sus socios comerciales, con el WT/TPR/M/283 • Brazil 
 
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  objetivo de reducir el peso de los países desarrollados en su comercio exterior. De esta forma se 
ha esforzado por fortalecer la integración regional y acercarse a los mercados de Asia y África.   
4.192.  Colombia mantiene una dinámica relación comercial con Brasil, bajo el marco del Acuerdo 
de Complementación Económica No. 59. y es un importante mercado de destino para nuestras 
exportaciones de productos agroindustriales e industriales. Cabe destacar los crecientes flujos de 
inversión brasileña en Colombia y el desarrollo de “parcerias”, como llaman en Brasil al trabajo conjunto, entre nuestros gobiernos y empresarios.  
4.193.  En materia de política comercial, los aranceles en Brasil, en general, se han mantenido en 
promedio estables. No obstante, se destaca el incremento de los aranceles para algunos insumos del sector industrial y la alta carga tributaria interna, que afecta el ambiente de negocios y resta competitividad a su sector productivo. 
4.194.  Al tiempo, como lo resalta el informe de la Secretaría, el periodo objeto de examen ha 
estado caracterizado también por la adopción de medidas en materia de facilitación del comercio para simplificar y modernizar sus procedimientos aduaneros.  
4.195.  Permítame concluir con una cita del discurso de la Presidenta Rousseff en la Ceremonia de 
apertura de la cumbre de América del Sur-África: “Creo, con todo mi corazón, que el Siglo 21, las próximas décadas, será de afirmación del mundo en desarrollo, especialmente en África y América 
Latina. Tenemos una oportunidad histórica para reducir la brecha, tanto económica como social, 
que aún nos separa de los países más avanzados”. 
4.196.  En esta línea, reconocemos el papel de Brasil en la OMC. Esperamos seguir contando con 
su iniciativa y contribuciones para hacer viable la culminación de las negociaciones de la Ronda 
Doha, las cuales requieren del liderazgo de las principales economías del mundo, para contribuir 
así a reducir tal brecha y asegurar el crecimiento económico y el desarrollo social de nuestra población. 
ARGENTINA 
4.197.  Resulta insoslayable para la Argentina iniciar esta intervención con una fraterna felicitación 
a Brasil por la reciente elección del Embajador Roberto Azevedo como próximo Director General de 
esta Organización. Su elección representa un orgullo para la Argentina por tratarse del primer 
Director General latinoamericano, por ser del MERCOSUR y de un país emergente. Su elección evidencia la relevancia de la región de América Latina y el Caribe como un actor de peso a nivel internacional, así como el creciente papel de los países en desarrollo en el tablero del comercio 
multilateral.  
4.198.  Por todo ello, aprovechamos esta ocasión para desearle el mayor de los éxitos en su 
gestión y confiamos en que su excelencia profesional y su remarcable trayectoria diplomática le 
imprimirán un nuevo impulso a la Organización Mundial de Comercio, a las negociaciones 
comerciales multilaterales, y particularmente revigorizarán la Agenda del Desarrollo, como bien lo ha destacado el Embajador Azevedo, lo que ha sido un logro clave en este foro multilateral. 
4.199.  Brasil ha venido creciendo de manera sostenida, a pesar del impacto de la crisis financiera 
internacional, de la cual pudo recuperarse mediante el uso adecuado de políticas que dieron lugar en el año 2010 a una tasa de crecimiento de 7,5%, tal como consigna el Informe del Gobierno. Si bien en los años subsiguientes las tasas de crecimiento no alcanzaron niveles tan elevados, se 
espera que Brasil recupere su dinamismo, lo cual  tendrá efectos positivos para la región y el 
mundo. 
4.200.  El crecimiento en Brasil favoreció el incremento de la renta nacional per cápita, la 
reducción de los índices de desempleo y la mejora en el nivel de desarrollo humano e inclusión 
social de los sectores más desposeídos, lo cual merece una mención especial. 
4.201.  En lo que va del año, Brasil ha aumentado sus importaciones del mundo, pasando de 
91.600 millones de dólares EE.UU. en el período de enero a mayo de 2012 a 98.700 millones de 
dólares EE.UU. en el mismo período de este año. Debe destacarse asimismo que las compras WT/TPR/M/283 • Brazil 
 
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  brasileñas se incrementaron desde todos los orígenes, identificándose principalmente a China, la 
Unión Europea, el MERCOSUR, los Estados Unidos y Oriente Medio. 
4.202.  Brasil tiene una estructura productiva diversificada, y ha hecho un uso inteligente de los 
espacios de política comercial con vistas a desarrollar su economía a través de mayor inversión y 
mayor contenido tecnológico en su producción. 
4.203.  Brasil es el principal socio comercial de Argentina. En 2012, la corriente comercial bilateral 
alcanzó los 34.402 millones de dólares EE.UU., con exportaciones hacia ese país por 
16.495 millones de dólares EE.UU. e importaciones por US$ 17.907.  
4.204.  Un aspecto destacable del comercio bilateral es que no sólo es importante por su volumen, 
sino por la calidad y características del intercambio. El 80% de las ventas argentinas a Brasil y el 90% de las exportaciones brasileñas a nuestro país corresponden a manufacturas.  
4.205.  La histórica relación bilateral entre nuestro país y Brasil no sólo se caracteriza por la 
intensidad de los flujos de comercio, sino también por fuertes lazos de amistad, cooperación y una visión compartida sobre la importancia de que el crecimiento económico y los efectos del comercio 
se reflejen en mayores niveles de empleo, desarro llo social y reducción de las desigualdades.   
4.206.  Respecto de esto último querría llamar la atención sobre la inclusión –por segunda vez 
consecutiva- en el Informe del Gobierno del Brasil  de un apartado sobre Políticas Sociales, al igual 
que lo hiciera la Argentina en sus últimos Exámenes de Políticas Comerciales de los años 2007 y 
2012. Esta coincidencia es una muestra más de la comunidad de valores compartidos entre ambos miembros, que se evidencia no sólo en los resultados de crecimiento de empleo y ampliación de derechos ciudadanos reflejados en sendos informes, sino también en una coordinación permanente 
de políticas comerciales y sociales a nivel bilateral y regional, en tanto socios del MERCOSUR y 
países coincidentes en el objetivo de crecimiento económico con desarrollo e inclusión social. 
4.207.  Un capítulo especial de nuestras relaciones es el MERCOSUR, principal acuerdo que nos 
vincula. Este bloque representa una asociación estratégica que fortalece el comercio en nuestra 
región y tracciona nuestras economías nacionales, así como las de nuestros socios. 
4.208.  En relación con la Ronda de Doha, el compromiso de Brasil con los principios y objetivos de 
la Ronda, nos permite trabajar conjuntamente y coordinar enfoques y posiciones en una agenda 
amplia de temas, asignando una prioridad particular a lograr resultados significativos en las negociaciones agrícolas. Por ello, tenemos la certeza de que Brasil contribuirá en forma constructiva en la próxima Conferencia Ministerial de Bali, para dar lugar a la reanudación de las 
negociaciones de la Ronda, cuyo principal objetivo sea impulsar el crecimiento económico y 
comercial a favor del desarrollo, para alcanzar así un sistema de comercio multilateral cada vez más equilibrado. 
NORWAY 
4.209.  The Reports by Brazil and by the Secret ariat confirm that Brazil's Government remains 
deeply committed to a strong multilateral tradin g system. Norway recognizes and appreciates the 
active participation of Brazil in the WTO. 
4.210.  The period examined in this TPR was characterized by a world financial crisis followed by 
an economic recession and a slow recovery. In  spite of the difficult external economic 
environment, Brazil was able to partially offset the negative effects through countercyclical 
economic policies aimed at sustaining the levels of production and employment. 
4.211.  Brazilian resilience to the crisis was also due to the ongoing process of diversification of its 
commercial relationships. Brazilian trade flows expanded with both traditional and new trade 
partners, consolidating Brazil's position as a global trader. 
4.212.  Counting the European Union as one trading partner Brazil is Norway's seventh largest 
source of imports and ninth largest destination of Norwegian exports. Brazil enjoys a large trade 
surplus with Norway and – while the time made av ailable to us today lead us to focus on areas 
where some concerns exist – generally speaking our trade relations are excellent. WT/TPR/M/283 • Brazil 
 
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  4.213.  A key aspect of the trade relations betw een Brazil and Norway is our trade in fish and 
marine products, where Brazil represents Norway 's fifth largest export market and accounts for 
approximately 40% of our total export to Brazil.  Norway has exported Bacalau to Brazil for 
175 years and it is our ambition and goal to supplement this product with other species of 
excellent Norwegian seafood, like shrimps and salmon. 
4.214.  There is a broad range of Norwegian comp anies present in Brazil. Most Norwegian-owned 
commercial activity in Brazil is in the form of direct investment and hence production in Brazil. The 
majority of these companies have reported positi ve experiences while making business in Brazil, 
but unfortunately, there have also been examples of complex bureaucratic processes and difficulties in customs clearance. 
4.215.  The lack of capacity in the infrastructure  sector creates significant delays in trade with 
Brazil across sectors. One of the sectors affected by  the state of the ports is the oil industry, which 
has seen increased delays in the delivery of equipment to offshore projects. Demurrage has increased as highly expensive vessels need to wait for long periods before loading and unloading 
necessary equipment for the offshore drilling programs. This is one bottleneck that has increased 
costs for the sector as a whole. 
4.216.  The Brazilian financial market is dominated by a few large banks and the interest rate 
spreads for both businesses and consumers are very high. Although BNDES provides very 
competitive rates for some new investments, there is no possibility to refinance for companies, something which deters investment. In addition, working capital and other sources of funding are seen to be costly. 
4.217.  The WTO Secretariat Report noted that foreign and Brazilian investors receive the same 
treatment in Brazil, unless restrictions are imposed on foreign investment by a specific law. Two areas where such restrictions apply are the maritime and the air transport sectors,  both of interest 
to Norwegian enterprises. 
4.218.  In the maritime sector, local content policy is in place with the objective of increasing the 
capacity of the local industry, developing new te chnologies, thus creating job opportunities and 
sharing national wealth within the Brazilian soci ety. While there are good economic and social 
arguments behind these initiatives, local content policies should not cause the cost level to escalate and it should not limit the companies'  access to technology and qualified workers. 
4.219.  With reference to section 4.228 in the WT O Secretariat Report, Norway will request Brazil 
to terminate the listed cargo sharing agreements. Cargo sharing agreements result in inefficient 
international maritime transport and are also causing the cost of transport between the countries in question to rise as the competition is limited. 
4.220.  In addition, our industry has informed us that Brazil applies a tax of 25% on top of the 
cost of maritime freight, which does not apply to operators from countries with which Brazil has agreements in this respect. Brazil also collects a lighthouse tax (TUF) exclusively for foreign flag 
vessels without a bilateral agreement signed wi th the country. These cargo-sharing agreements 
and differentiated taxed are giving shipping compan ies from some countries benefits that are not 
given to others, and thus interfere with the competition between international maritime transport suppliers. 
4.221.  Norway would use this opportunity to urge Brazil to take commitments in the Maritime 
Services in GATS. We are pleased that Brazil has started to liberalize its international aviation policy and we would be pleased to note further liberalization in both sectors. 
4.222.  Brazil is an active participant on the mu ltilateral stage, an economic engine in Latin 
America and globally, and an important trade partner for most of us. This review will therefore doubtlessly be interesting and useful not only for Brazil, but also for all other participants. 
TURKEY 
4.223.  At the very outset I would like to unde rline that, Turkey and Brazil have an excellent 
relation in all bilateral political, economic and cultural areas. WT/TPR/M/283 • Brazil 
 
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  4.224.  On the economic and commercial front, I wo uld like to mention that Brazil is Turkey’s 
biggest trading partner in Latin America and Turkey sees Brazil as the focal point to enhance its economic relations with Latin America. 
4.225.  The total trade volume between Turkey and Brazil has increased from US$344 million to 
approximately US$3 billion over the ten years period covering from 2000 to 2010, although we 
have been experiencing slight decline in bilateral trade starting from 2011.  
4.226.  Turkey mainly exports iron and steel, mi neral hydrocarbon, textile fibers and transport 
vehicles to Brazil and in return we import similar products such as steel products, plastics, iron 
ore, textile fibers, machines and agricultural products such as tobacco, cacao, tea and forestry products. 
4.227.  Currently, Turkey ranks 40th in Bazil’s ex port and 38th in its import, and we are, of 
course, of the view that neither the current level of approximately US$3 billion trade volume, nor 
the current rankings in bilateral trade reflects our true bilateral trade potential.  
4.228.  In order to enhance our bilateral relation s, we signed around 30 agreements with Brazil 
starting from 1950 covering whole spectrum of poli tical, economic and cultural areas. Currently, 
there are 13 potential areas of agreement, on our agenda covering issues such as air transport, 
culture and creative industries, and co-operation on legal, academic, military institutions, an on 
agricultural and SPS issues.  
4.229.  I should also like to mention that we had signed a strategic Partnership Action Plan with 
Brazil in 2010 and recently Turkey and Brazil made a joint declaration emphasizing our commitments to this plan during the President Dilma Roussef’s visit to Turkey in 2011. 
4.230.  We are also jointly working with the auth orities of Brazil to sign a free trade agreement 
within the context of the MERCOSUR Regional In tegration to further strengthen our commercial 
relations. Turkey and Brazil have jointly decided to sign a memorandum of understanding in this 
regard, in May this year and we are currently working to conclude it soon. 
4.231.  We see a large potential for cooperation be tween Turkey and Brazil in the whole areas of 
services and goods trade including the energy, tran sport and logistics, aviation, infrastructure and 
construction, technology transfer, investment, and agricultural co-operation. 
4.232.  In addition to our, Joint economic commission mechanism and Turkey-Brazil Business 
council, we are also trying to finalize the necessary works for the formation of Turkey-Brazil chamber of Commerce in Sao Paulo. 
4.233.  Although both Turkey and Brazil currently maintain a few trade defence measure against 
each other, I would like to specifically mention that, our authorities want Brazil to reconsider its TBT measure put in place in March of this year targeting certain tobacco products. 
4.234.  Coming to the economic front, Turkey is we ll aware of the fact that the review period was 
dominated by both the financial crises followed by an economic recession and slow recovery as was mentioned in the government report of Brazil.  
4.235.  Yet, we are very happy that despite having  witnessed extreme global external difficulties, 
Brazil was able to neutralize most of these negative effects and increased its employment and sustained a positive economic growth in the afte rmath of the crises during the review period 
thanks to its macroeconomic policies and its diversification efforts of its commercial relations. 
4.236.  We don’t see much points in further emphasizing how the important the role of Brazil in 
multilateral trading system and in the WTO. Everyone  under this roof is very well aware of Brazil’s 
commitment to the conclusion of the Doha Round and its efforts of promoting a more equitable 
and development oriented international trading system. 
4.237.  We believe that Brazil can further enhance its trade and economic relations with the world 
by reforming its customs tariffs and import licencing system, TRIMS regulations, investment 
environment, and by upgrading its infrastructure. WT/TPR/M/283 • Brazil 
 
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  4.238.  We also welcome the appointment of Roberto Azevedo as the next Director General of the 
WTO and we want to emphasize that we are ready to closeley work with him. 
INDIA 4.239.  India commends Brazil’s commitment to the multilateral trading system and its active role 
in the WTO. As a fellow developing country an d member of the G-20 and G-33 groupings, India 
has worked closely with Brazil in several areas of negotiations in the WTO including agriculture, Trade Facilitation, NTBs, IPRs and development. India shares Brazil’s desire for an early conclusion 
of the Doha Round for promoting a more equitable and development oriented global governance 
system. We appreciate Brazil’s valuable contribution towards strengthening this organization, including providing us with the next Director Ge neral of the WTO, Ambassador Azevedo. Brazil’s 
commitment to South-South Cooperation and Aid for Trade also deserves a special mention.  
4.240.  India’s deep rooted historical ties with Brazil have witnessed a quantum jump in recent 
years. The range and frequency of engagement between our countries has expanded and intensified, adding a positive momentum to this relationship, which has now acquired the 
dimension of a strategic partnership. President Dilma Rousseff’s visit to India in March 2012 
highlighted the immense potential for increasing bilateral trade, investment and cooperation in diverse sectors like agriculture, science and technology, energy and health. Joint initiatives under 
IBSA and BRICS have further enhanced our cooperation on international issues.  
4.241.  Brazil is India’s most important trading partner in Latin America. From US$ 5.85 billion in 
2009-10, trade between India and Brazil ha s doubled to US$10.79 billion in 2012-13. The 
India-MERCOSUR PTA came into effect in June 2009 and extends duty reduction of 10%-100% on 
450 items. Efforts are underway to broaden and deepen the PTA linking it with other regional 
agreements. The composition of trade has also witnessed increasing diversification. There are growing business-to-business contacts, and well defined mechanisms are in place to promote and 
monitor bilateral trade. Two-way investments between India and Brazil have been directed 
towards automobiles, IT, mining, energy, bio- fuels, pharmaceuticals, agri-business and 
engineering sectors. 
4.242.  As the world’s 6th largest economy, Brazil has made impressive progress during the period 
under review. We congratulate Brazil for its sound macroeconomic policies and fiscal responsibility which have enabled it to sustain high levels of production and demand and increase employment levels despite the difficult external economic environment. Sustained economic growth has allowed 
Brazil to reduce poverty an d income inequality levels.  
4.243.  Though Brazil experienced volatility in grow th rates caused by the 2008-09 financial crisis 
and the subsequent Eurozone crisis of 2011-12, it is encouraging to note that its economy has 
rebounded since the second half of 2012 and a growth  of 4% is expected in the first quarter of 
2013. Brazil’s success in reducing its net public debt from 42% of GDP in 2009 to 35% in 2012 has 
allowed it to adopt countercyclical measures to address the crisis without generating financial 
stress. Macro-prudential policies adopted by the Central Bank of Brazil have played an important 
role in ensuring financial stability. While interest rates have gone down, inflation at 5.8% has been kept within targeted levels.  
4.244.  We welcome the steps taken by Brazil towards improving its business environment through 
a simplification of its tax regime and document filing procedures. The Brazilian foreign investment 
regime is open, transparent and non-discriminatory. Also noteworthy is Brazil’s micro-credit program introduced in August 2011 to encourage entrepreneurship and new businesses and to 
meet the financial needs of SMEs. The new industrial policy “Plano Brasil Maior” announced in 2011 
and new regulations "Inovar Auto" announced in 2012 aim to promote domestic industrial activity through enhanced competitiveness and innovation.   
4.245.  Brazil has also taken steps to simplify its customs procedures. A risk assessment method is 
used for import declarations with 85% of all imports being processed through the green channel. Brazil has kept its applied tariffs within bound rates, with its average applied MFN tariff rate of 11.7%, well below the average bound rate of 30%.  WT/TPR/M/283 • Brazil 
 
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  4.246.  On the trade front, after a reduction in 2009, foreign trade has grown at an annual 
average rate of over 16% in ex ports and over 20% in imports. Brazil’s expanding domestic 
market, abundant natural resources and economic growth have made Brazil a popular investment destination, contributing to a sharp increase in FDI inflows totalling US$65 billion in 2012. 
International reserves have remained at high levels, reinforcing the ability of the Brazilian 
economy to face external shocks.  
4.247.  At the regional level, Brazil plays an  important leadership role, promoting regional 
economic integration through MERCOSUR. MERCOSUR has entered into Preferential Trade 
Agreements with several countries, including with India.   
4.248.  Despite its good performance and strong re silience, Brazil faces a number of challenges as 
a developing economy. We are happy to note the Brazilian Government’s attention to these 
challenges and wish them success in addressing those challenges effectively.  
THAILAND 4.249.  Brazil is Thailand’s 22nd trading partne r in the world and the largest from the Latin 
American region. Thailand is currently Brazil’s largest trading partner in ASEAN. From 2010-2012, 
our trade value averaged at US$4.2 billion per year and in 2012, we traded at approximately US$4.68 billion, increasi ng from 2011 by 3.24%. 
4.250.  Not only has our bilateral trade relationship been prosperous, Brazil-Thailand relationship 
in other areas has been recorded very positively. Thailand established a diplomatic relationship with Brazil in 1959. The two countries’ Foreign Affairs Ministers recently met in Brasilia in August last year. Different agreements and cooperat ion include, among others, Thailand-Brazil 
Parliamentary Friendship Group, Trade and Economic Cooperation Agreement between the Thai 
Chamber of Commerce and Brazil’s National Confederation of Commerce, Agreement on 
International Scientific and Technological Cooperation, and Memorandum of Understanding on 
Exchange of Technical and Informational Cooperat ion between Export-Import Bank of Thailand and 
Brazil’s National Bank for Econ omic and Social Development.  
4.251.  From the global perspective, Brazil has weathered well the global economic crisis with its 
strong macroeconomic policy. Thailand is also impressed with Brazil’s efficient control of inflation 
rate, significant progress towards poverty redu ction, income distribution, and employment 
improvement. 
4.252.  Brazil’s active role in the WTO is very well-recognized. Thailand appreciates Brazil’s 
leadership for developing countries and development agendas. We have enjoyed our coordination 
with Brazil in various areas in the WTO, especially in agriculture, where Thailand and Brazil have similar interests and have worked together in G-20 and the Cairns Group. In addition, we are 
looking forward to Ambassador Azevedo’s new role as the Director-General in September, in Bali 
and post-Bali to lead this organization in the direction in which Members can come to an agreement in different areas. 
4.253.  Our authorities are currently concerned ab out Brazil’s increasing use of trade remedies 
particularly anti-dumping measures. As the Secretariat indicated in its report that 83 anti-dumping measures were in place as of mid-2012, we found this affecting several of Thai exports to Brazil, including PET film, viscose fiber, and viscose yarn. We encourage Brazil to consider this matter, 
including the investigation procedure to be conducted in a fair and transparent manner with 
sufficient time for interested parties to consider documents and present their comments. 
VENEZUELA 
4.254.  Exactamente hace diez años se inició un proceso dinámico de profundización de las 
relaciones estratégicas entre Venezuela y este país hermano y vecino, el cual va desde la cooperación bilateral para el desarrollo económico y social, hasta la convergencia política en pro de 
la unidad y soberanía regional. La visión integracionista y de cooperación Sur-Sur son dos 
aspectos claves que unen a ambas naciones y nos permiten marchar juntos en distintos espacios. WT/TPR/M/283 • Brazil 
 
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  4.255.  Las relaciones bilaterales Brasil-Venezuela, tuvieron un decidido salto cualitativo y 
cuantitativo en el año 2007 cuando nuestros Jefes de Estado acordaron la realización de encuentros trimestrales para dar seguimiento a los avances de la cooperación entre ambos países en sus distintas facetas, esquema que aún continúa vigente.  
4.256.  Nuestra relación bilateral se ha centrado en los siguientes pilares, a saber: un importante 
nivel de relacionamiento político; una importante relación de complementariedad para el desarrollo, especialmente entre la región sur de Venezuela y el norte y noreste del Brasil; la 
cooperación dinámica a nivel institucional y una alianza estratégica en pro de la construcción 
regional y sub-regional, a través de distintos foros de nueva generación.  
4.257.  En el período que estamos evaluando, se ha evidenciado una profundización de las 
relaciones comerciales entre ambos países, especialmente en al ámbito agroalimentario. La 
cooperación, intercambio y complementariedad en materia agroalimentaria entre el Brasil y 
Venezuela se ha incrementado en 900% durante los últimos 10 años, sustentada por 25 acuerdos de cooperación, que se traducen en convenios desa rrollados en las áreas agropecuarias, industrial 
y de desarrollo agrario. 
4.258.  Durante el período de examen, nuestras exportaciones tradicionales, a saber, petróleo y 
derivados, han representado el 65% de las ventas al Brasil. En cuanto al sector no petrolero, el 
mismo representa un 35% y el grueso de las exportaciones comprende recursos minerales y 
productos intermedios de dichos recursos. De otra parte, las importaciones provenientes del Brasil, se centran en los sectores de las maquinarías, equipos y alimentos. Muchas de estas importaciones se han realizado en el marco de proyectos de cooperación que ofrecen transferencia 
de tecnología y conocimientos. En este sentido, Brasil no sólo se presenta como un proveedor de 
bienes de capital y alimentos, sino como un cooperan te en el impulso del sector productivo y de la 
seguridad alimentaria de Venezuela. 
4.259.  En el plano sub-regional, ambos países hemos apostado por la integración y el 
fortalecimiento del espacio económico y político, a través del MERCOSUR, UnaSur, el Banco del Sur, CELAC, ALADI, entre otros.  
4.260.  Estamos próximos a celebrar el primer aniversario de nuestra incorporación formal al 
MERCOSUR como miembro pleno, acontecimiento que ha marcado un hito en nuestras relaciones comerciales y estamos seguros que las afianzarán mucho más. Cuando se formalizara nuestro ingreso a este bloque, la Presidenta Dilma Rousseff señaló: "La presencia de Venezuela en el 
MERCOSUR amplia nuestra capacidad interna, refu erza nuestros recursos y abre oportunidades al 
emprendimiento”. Destacó además que es de vital importancia cuidar, ampliar y preservar el bloque regional en un momento de crisis mundial, para resguardar el patrimonio construido hasta 
ahora, "sobretodo cuando el MERCOSUR siendo la quinta potencia económica del mundo (...), 
tenemos la responsabilidad y el compromiso de garantizar el desarrollo social a más de 270 millones de suramericanos que pasan a formar parte del MERCOSUR ". 
4.261.  Juntos, seguiremos favoreciendo el desarrollo de la región y vigorizando la nueva 
integración y unidad suramericana. El reto ahora será alcanzar una complementariedad productiva e integración de la industria, que permita tener una balanza comercial más equilibrada. 
4.262.  Reconocemos y hemos colaborado para el indudable liderazgo del Brasil en la OMC. Lo 
percibimos como un actor que cree en un sistema multilateral del comercio transparente, basado 
en normas, no discriminatorio, justo y como una herramienta clave para el desarrollo. Desde el lanzamiento de la Ronda de Doha, el Brasil y Venezuela hemos estado juntos en la gran mayoría 
de las áreas de negociación que la componen, especialmente en las negociaciones agrícolas e 
industriales, a través del G-20 agrícola y el NAMA-11. Estamos mas que convencidos que la dimensión del desarrollo debe estar al centro de la Ronda y verse reflejada de manera transversal 
en todos sus resultados, bien sea en lo que pretendemos acordar para la 9º Conferencia 
Ministerial, como para lo que quedará pendiente luego de Bali. 
ECUADOR 4.263.  Ecuador y Brasil mantenemos una estrecha relación política y de coordinación en foros 
multilaterales y regionales. En efecto, somos parte de ALADI, UNASUR y el CELAC, hemos iniciado WT/TPR/M/283 • Brazil 
 
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  el proceso para adherir al MERCOSUR como mi embro pleno. Asimismo, compartimos visiones 
políticas y económicas similares, centradas en la promoción de un desarrollo sostenible y fundado en la equidad a favor de nuestras poblaciones.   
4.264.  Como lo señala el Informe de la Secretaría de la OMC, notamos que la economía brasileña 
registró un importante crecimiento entre el 2007 y el 2012 con un Producto Interno Bruto de 
alrededor de 3,6% al año. Igualmente, Brasil es el sexto más importante receptor de las 
Inversiones Extranjeras Directas en el mundo. Este crecimiento fue el resultado de políticas 
macroeconómicas sólidas, que estuvieron centradas en un superávit fiscal y en el estricto control  
de la inflación. En este ámbito, debemos también notar que el sistema financiero brasileño logró sortear la crisis económica mundial de manera adecuada, en función del uso de políticas públicas y controles financieros que limitaron el impacto de la especulación y la irracionalidad del sistema 
internacional. Además, lo anterior ha permitido a Brasil alcanzar importantes logros hacia la 
disminución de la pobreza y la reducción de la desigualdad en los ingresos, así como también la mejora de los índices de empleo. Objetivos sociales que Ecuador comparte con Brasil y que 
también busca promover en el desarrollo e implementación de nuestras políticas comerciales. 
4.265.  Respecto de sus políticas comerciales, el “Plan Brasil Maior” consideramos es un 
fundamental pilar de la política de desarrollo de Brasil, que estimamos puede apoyar la creación de 
una base para el desarrollo económico inclusivo y, además, facilitar la introducción de valor 
agregado a los productos de exportación de ese país. En este sentido, Ecuador agradece las respuestas del Brasil a nuestras preguntas inicia les, sin embargo, y a fin de conocer mejor el 
funcionamiento de sus políticas tendientes a la mejora de la competitividad de sus exportaciones y 
sobre sus proceso de negociación comercial, hemos planteado algunas preguntas adicionales que 
agradeceremos sean también contestadas por escrito. 
4.266.  En cuanto a su posición con relación al sistema comercial multilateral, reconocemos y 
saludamos el liderazgo que Brasil mantiene en las negociaciones de la Ronda de Doha y en los 
trabajos regulares de la OMC. Los dos países coordinamos varias posiciones en esta esfera, particularmente con relación a la efectiva liberalización del comercio agrícola, a través del nuestra 
conjunta participación en el G-20 Agrícola y, en el ámbito de la propiedad intelectual, en la 
defensa de la biodiversidad y de los conocimientos tradicionales y su justo y equitativo acceso.  Más aún, compartimos la necesidad de equilibrar al sistema multilateral del comercio a través de una efectiva y real implementación de la “dimensión del desarrollo” en los acuerdos abarcados y 
en los eventuales acuerdos que se alcancen en otras materias bajo negociación.  
4.267.  La relación comercial bilateral entre nuestros dos países es aún incipiente del lado del 
Ecuador. A manera de ejemplo entre enero y ab ril de 2013 el 1% de la oferta exportable 
ecuatoriana se dirigió a Brasil, en tanto que el 4,5% de las compras externas de Ecuador 
provinieron de Brasil. Más detalladamente, entre enero de 2009 y abril de 2013, Ecuador exportó a Brasil alrededor de 353 millones de dólares EE.UU., y Ecuador importó de Brasil en ese período 
cerca de 3 670 millones de dólares EE.UU. Sin embargo, nuestro próximo ingreso al MERCOSUR 
sin duda alguna permitirá ampliar, diversificar y profundizar aún más nuestra participación comercial en los mercados de Brasil. 
4.268.  Finalmente, Ecuador se permite expresar sus felicitaciones a Brasil por la designación del 
Embajador Roberto de Azevedo como nuevo Director General de la OMC. En efecto, Ecuador desde 
un inició públicamente manifestó su preferencia por el Embajador Azevedo, en reconocimiento de sus cualidades profesionales y de negociación y al liderazgo constructivo que Brasil ha mantenido 
en el sistema multilateral del comercio. Estamos seguros que la gestión que iniciará el Embajador 
Azevedo facilitará las convergencias de intereses en un marco de un diálogo mutuamente beneficioso y de intercambios equilibrados.   
URUGUAY 
4.269.  Uruguay da la bienvenida a la numerosa De legación de Brasil a esta instancia relevante 
para el sistema multilateral del comercio.  
4.270.  Al mismo tiempo, esta delegación quiere dest acar el activo papel de Brasil a través de su 
intensa actividad en el sistema de la OMC lo que ha sido reconocido por los otros miembros de la 
organización con la elección del Embajador Roberto Azevedo como próximo Director General. Este WT/TPR/M/283 • Brazil 
 
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  rol ahora se verá potenciado con esta elección y Brasil gana y adquiere mayores responsabilidades 
frente a la OMC y al sistema multilateral de comercio.  
4.271.  En esta línea, corresponde señalar que ambos países comparten la misma visión global 
sobre el papel de la OMC y la imperiosa necesidad de la rápida conclusión de las negociaciones del 
Programa de Doha para el Desarrollo para lograr el fortalecimiento del sistema multilateral de 
comercio basado en normas previsibles, transparentes y equilibradas. Por tanto, Uruguay exhorta a Brasil a continuar por la senda del liderazgo para lograr estos objetivos que tendrá una 
importante instancia en la próxima Conferencia Ministerial de Bali. 
4.272.  En materia agrícola, ambos países participan en el G-20 y en el Grupo de Cairns y 
promueven el objetivo de eliminar todos los elementos distorsivos del sector agrícola.   
4.273.  Uruguay y Brasil tienen una relación privilegiada tanto del punto de vista político como 
económico y comercial. Brasil es el primer socio comercial del Uruguay con un comercio intenso 
desde el punto de vista de los valores y volúmenes pero también en su composición con productos de alto valor agregado, bienes intermedios, commodities y bienes de consumo final. En las 
exportaciones uruguayas se destacan los lácteos, el arroz como también productos industriales 
como pinturas, vehículos, entre otros y las importaciones brasileñas también muestran una composición diversificada. 
4.274.  Asimismo se destaca el incremento en el intercambio de servicios comerciales como el 
turismo el transporte, servicios globales a las empresas así como también las importantes inversiones y actividades de empresas brasileñas en Uruguay que contribuyen cada vez más a la integración de las dos economías. 
4.275.  Como socios fundadores del MERCOSUR ambos países hacen una fuerte apuesta a la 
integración regional como  plataforma de inserción internacional. Con esta convicción ambos gobiernos han decidido acelerar la integración comercial y económica bilateral hasta llegar a una 
plena liberalización y libre circulación de bienes, servicios y personas. Al amparo de este nuevo 
paradigma se ha constituido un Grupo de Alto Nivel presidido por los Vicecancilleres que tiene como objetivo fundamental delinear y afianzar este programa de liberación en el menor plazo 
posible. 
CUBA 4.276.  Agradecemos el pormenorizado informe brindado por el Embajador y damos nuestras 
felicitaciones por los logros económicos y sociales alcanzados. A pesar del negativo entorno 
mundial que todos los países en desarrollo hemos tenido que enfrentar, Brasil ha mostrado 
resultados encomiables frutos de las sólidas políticas económicas aplicadas. 
4.277.  En el período objeto de examen Brasil tuvo indicadores macroeconómicos positivos como 
la demanda interna en particular el consumo de los hogares y el comercio exterior cuya tasa media 
de crecimiento anual fue del 16,6%. 
4.278.  También son relevantes los resultados en la esfera social mediante una combinación de 
crecimiento económico, políticas de distribución de ingresos y medidas selectivas de lucha contra 
la pobreza, reducción de las desigualdades y mejora de los niveles de vida en general. 
4.279.  De 2009 a 2012, los indicadores sociales en materia de salud, educación, empleo, 
vivienda, esperanza de vida y distribución de ingresos mejoraron de manera ostensible, fruto de la 
ampliación de las políticas de enseñanza, salud, trabajo, asistencia y seguridad social, así como 
por la puesta en práctica de programas para prom over la inclusión social de las poblaciones de 
bajos ingresos y vulnerables. 
4.280.  Brasil le concede un lugar priorizado al sistema multilateral de comercio y es un Miembro 
de gran activismo en la OMC. Mantiene su compromiso de lograr una conclusión satisfactoria del Programa de Doha para el Desarrollo. Como coordinador del G-20, es abanderado en el apoyo que 
brinda a los temas vinculados al desarrollo. Una estrecha cooperación existe entre nuestras 
delegaciones lo que nos ha permitido presentar propuestas conjuntas en las negociaciones y trabajos en curso en la OMC.  WT/TPR/M/283 • Brazil 
 
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  4.281.  En el plano bilateral, Cuba y Brasil proyectan un desarrollo a mediano plazo de sus 
relaciones económicas sobre la base de la complementariedad y el cumplimiento de los compromisos adquiridos, con el objetivo común de fortalecer, profundizar y ampliar el intercambio comercial, las inversiones conjuntas y la cooperación. 
4.282.  Cuba se beneficia con la adquisición de alimentos, maquinarias, equipos y otras 
manufacturas brasileños. La experiencia de Brasil en la utilización de fuentes de energía renovable, por ejemplo, abre nuevas posibilidades para la adquisición de tecnologías limpias en la generación 
de electricidad. Asimismo, se incrementa la exportación de bienes y servicios cubanos en sectores 
relacionados con la salud.   
4.283.  Como ejemplo de cooperación Sur–Sur, Cuba y Brasil desarrollan un proyecto tripartito con 
Haití, brindando su apoyo, solidaridad y financiami ento para ayudar al pueblo haitiano en materia 
de salud.  
4.284.  Por último, queremos reconocer el trabajo de los Representantes de Brasil en Ginebra, 
cuyo exponente es el recién electo Director General Roberto Azevedo.  
BÉNIN 
4.285.  Les quatre pays co-auteurs de l'Initiative sectorielle en faveur du coton (C-4) souhaitent la 
bienvenue à la délégation brésilienne qui participe à la présente session d'examen des politiques 
commerciales du Brésil, et qui est conduite par l'Ambassadeur Paolo ESTIVALET de MESQUITA. 
4.286.  Le C-4 apprécie les efforts déployés par les Autorités brésiliennes et les résultats 
encourageants enregistrés pendant la période sous examen (2009-2012). 
4.287.  Malgré les chocs économiques et financiers exogènes, le Brésil a su concevoir et mettre en 
œuvre des politiques économiques judicieuses, axées sur: 1) le ciblage de l'inflation; 2) une 
politique de taux de change flottant; 3) l'instauration de la responsabilité budgétaire; et 4) un régime de ciblage de l'inflation; toutes choses qui ont eu des incidences positives sur la production 
et l'emploi. 
4.288.  L'économie brésilienne a connu une vigoureuse reprise en 2010 avec une croissance de 
7,5% qui a décliné à 2,7% et 0,9%, respectivement en 2011 et 2012, avec, au final, un rebond 
amorcé depuis le second semestre de 2012. 
4.289.  D'après des prévisions avisées, les taux de croissance pour 2013 et 2014 s'établissent 
respectivement à 3,03% et à 3,5%. 
4.290.  En appui aux efforts macroéconomiques susmentionnés, des réformes hardies ont porté 
sur: 
 L'assainissement des finances de l'État; 
 L'amélioration du profil de la dette pu blique et la baisse du ratio dette/PIB; 
 Un meilleur contrôle sur les dépenses de fonctionnement; 
 Le renforcement des politiques visant à favoriser la migration des entreprises vers le secteur 
 formel, à rationaliser et simplifier les obligations fiscales et à alléger les charges 
 administratives et celles d'exploitation pour les contribuables; 
 L'ouverture et l'élargissement du crédit et des services bancaires; 
 La modernisation de la législation contre le blanchiment de capitaux, etc. 
4.291.  Les actions hardies et originales des Autorités brésiliennes, en sus de leur impact positif 
sur l'économie du pays, ont également eu des retombées encourageantes sur le développement 
social en contribuant à combattre la pauvreté, à réduire les inégalités et à améliorer le niveau de vie général. WT/TPR/M/283 • Brazil 
 
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  4.292.  Pour preuve, de 2009 à 2012, les indicateurs sociaux en matière de santé, d'éducation, 
d'emploi, de logement, d'espérance de vie et de répartition du revenu se sont considérablement améliorés et des programmes sont mis en œuvre afin de promouvoir l'inclusion sociale des populations à faible revenu et des groupes les plus vulnérables. 
4.293.  En outre, le Brésil est en passe d'atteindre l'objectif de l'éducation de base universelle et 
l'on enregistre une augmentation substantielle du  niveau d'accès des populations aux services de 
base tels que l'assainissement, l'énergie et l'éducation. 
4.294.  Le Brésil manifeste son attachement à un système commercial multilatéral juste et 
fonctionnel et a œuvré à la réalisation de cet objectif. Son engagement et son soutien à l'initiative sectorielle en faveur du coton en  est une illustration parfaite. 
4.295.  En effet, depuis la soumission aux Organes compétents de l'OMC, de l'Initiative sectorielle 
en faveur du coton, et comprenant tout le sens et l'importance de cette requête pour une 
intégration effective des pays du C-4 au commerce international et la lutte contre la pauvreté, le Brésil accompagne et soutien le processus des négociations portant sur ce dossier. 
4.296.  Dans le contexte actuel des négociations du cycle de Doha, le C-4 exhorte le Brésil à 
poursuivre inlassablement ses efforts, conjointement avec les autres Membres de l'OMC, en vue de la conclusion rapide de ce Cycle, avec la prise en compte de sa dimension développement. 
SAUDI
 ARABIA 
4.297.  As detailed in the Trade Policy Reports prepared by Brazil and the Secretariat, the 
performance of the Brazilian economy has been so lid over the review period, with an average 
yearly GDP growth of 3.6%. Growth, which was fu elled by strong domestic demand and favorable 
external conditions, greatly contributed to the consolidation of macroeconomic stability and to 
significant progress in the reduction of poverty and inequality. This growth was supported by 
sound macroeconomic policies, a floating exchange rate regime and an inflation-targeting policy 
and important structural economic reforms. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia congratulates Brazil for 
its recent economic performance and development and wishes it success in continuing its important structural reforms.  
4.298.  The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Brazil have been economically and politically close for 
many years and this relationship continues to progress. Both of our countries are members of the G-20 and actively cooperate on the international scene, in economic, trade and diplomatic fora for the promotion of development.  
4.299.  The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is Brazil’s mo st significant trade partner in the Middle East 
and bilateral trade has been flourishing. In 2012, close to 600 Brazilian companies exported 
US$3 billion worth of goods to Saudi Arabia. The great majority of these exports are made of 
agricultural products and include chicken, sugar, maize, iron ore and soy. Over the same period, 
the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia exported a little overUS$3 billion worth of goods to Brazil.  
4.300.  The private sector in both Saudi Arabia an d Brazil has been actively promoting an increase 
in trade between our two countries. Just over a month ago, the Arab Brazilian Chamber of 
Commerce (ABCC), together with the Brazilian  Trade and Investment Promotion Agency 
(Apex-Brasil) and in collaboration with the Brazilian  National Confederation of Industries (CNI) and 
the Federation of Industries of the State of São Paulo (Fiesp) organized a focus market seminar in 
São Paulo to address joint trade opportunities. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia follows with great 
interests such private sector initiatives and trusts that these contribute to further reinforce economic and trade relations between the two countries in their common interest. The 
complementarity of the Saudi and Brazilian economies calls for greater trade and investment 
cooperation. 
4.301.  Over the last year, Brazil’s economic grow th has decreased as a result of both domestic 
and external factors. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has noted with regret that Brazil has had 
increasing recourse to trade remedies and has be come one of the most significant user of the 
anti-dumping instrument in particular. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia strongly encourages Brazil to only resort to such remedies were absolutely necessary, as resort to protectionists actions will not WT/TPR/M/283 • Brazil 
 
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  serve to reinforce the competitiveness of the Brazilian industry and will have negative effects on 
Brazilian consumers. In difficult economic times, Brazil, in line with its long standing policy, should facilitate rather than restrict trade.  
4.302.  Before closing, I wish to commend and highlight Brazil’s commitment to the furtherance of 
all aspects of the WTO and of the world trading or der. As noted by the Secretariat Report, Brazil 
sees its participation in the multilateral trading system as a mean to attain its development objectives based on sustainable and socially inclus ive economic growth. Brazil is one of the most 
active Members of this organization, both indivi dually and as part of numerous groups, and has 
reiterated its commitment to the strengthening of the multilateral trading system and to the successful conclusion of the Doha Development Ag enda (DDA). Within the on-going negotiations, 
Brazil has made numerous proposals and displayed reasonableness, forthrightness and balance. It 
recognizes the current benefits and limitations of the multilateral trading system and has 
repeatedly insisted on the importance of the development dimension of the negotiations. Brazil 
must be commended for all of this. 
4.303.  Importantly, Brazil is about to “give”  one of its most successful public servants, 
H.E. Mr. Roberto Azevedo, to this organization. The appointment of H.E. Mr. Roberto Azevedo as the next Director General of the WTO is a reflection of the growing international role of Brazil and 
of its dedication to this organization and th e world trading system. Building on his strong 
experience within Brazilian authorities H.E. Mr. Roberto Azevedo will contribute to the strengthening of the WTO and the conclusion of ru les that will render the trading system more 
transparent and predictable for the benefit of  all Members, regardless of their level of 
development. 
NIGERIA
  
4.304.  Nigeria is pleased to note from the Secretariat Report that the Brazilian economy recorded 
a strong performance during most of the period 2007-11 with real GDP growth averaging 3.6% a 
year. Growth benefitted from strong domestic demand and favourable external conditions, 
including vigorous demand and high international prices for Brazilian commodities, which boosted 
the country's terms of trade. 
4.305.  The impressive growth is supported by sound macroeconomic policies, focused on 
achieving a primary fiscal surplus and strict inflation targets, and a floating exchange rate regime, which contributed to macroeconomic stability. This feat is achieved by an appreciating currency, 
and strong domestic demand growth, which has kept inflation under control, generally within the 
band of fluctuation allowed by the inflation-targeting policy. Sustained economic growth over almost a decade and active income policies have allowed Brazil to make important progress 
towards reducing poverty and income inequalit y, while employment figures have improved. 
4.306.  However, growth has decelerated signific antly and the average real growth rate for 2012 
was just 0.9%. This loss of dynamism may be partly  attributed to the appreciation of the Brazilian 
real and the global economic slowdown, but it also reflects long-standing structural problems 
affecting the Brazilian economy's competitiveness such as inadequate infrastructure, insufficient access to credit, and a very high tax burden. To address these problems, the Government has adopted measures aimed at removing infrastructure bottlenecks, expanding concessions and 
private-public sector partnerships, and reducing the tax burden on certain manufacturing 
industries. However, to support sectors affected by a loss of competitiveness, the Government has also taken some measures that have a restrictive impact on trade, including increasing tariffs 
temporarily, and using preferential margins for domestic goods and services in government 
procurement, and has increased export credits. The authorities have also taken measures to increase the availability of credit and the low level of financial intermediation. In mid-2011 the 
Central Bank lowered the policy interest rate (SELIC) to record low levels by Brazilian standards. 
On the fiscal side, the Government was able to provide stimulus while maintaining a primary surplus throughout the review period. 
4.307.  Bilateral relations between Nigeria and Brazil have been characterised by cooperation and 
trust between the leaders of the two countries, and set to continue to grow through the desire of 
our two countries to forge ahead in addressing the important issues that would make the world a better place to live. The bilateral relations generally cover political, economic and socio-cultural WT/TPR/M/283 • Brazil 
 
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  spheres. We cherish our ties with Brazil and would continue to do our best to consolidate these ties 
as well as the furtherance of relations in other sp heres. Nigeria like Brazil is a member of G-20 
that share same overall objective of fundamental reform of agricultural trade and share common belief on the intensification of south-south trade as a major vehicle of enhancing the integration of 
developing countries into the multilateral trading system. 
4.308.  As the coordinator of G-20, Brazil through its Mission in Geneva, has participated actively 
in formulating proposals and consistently supported proposals that are pro-development. Brazil 
along with G-20 Members tries to strike a balance between the interest of trade liberalization and 
development objectives of its members. The G-20 under Brazil able leadership has been widely 
acknowledged as a major player in agricultural negotiations, and one whose interests should be taken into account if agreement is to be reached. 
4.309.  We wish to note that in February 2013, Brazil's President Dilma Rousseff visited Nigeria 
and signed an agreement with President Goodluck Jonathan to foster Nigeria – Brazil cooperation. 
The two leaders underlined their commitment to promote bilateral technical and capacity building 
cooperation in agriculture, energy, power, petroleu m, works, infrastructure development, aviation 
and defence, as well as other sectors that will be  identified from time to time. The two leaders 
singled out energy, agriculture, and aviation as cr itical areas for economic diplomacy. Both Nigeria 
and Brazil share many ecological, economic, and cu ltural similarities. In fact, for nearly every 
Nigerian challenge there are Brazilian lessons. 
OMAN 4.310.  The Sultanate of Oman enjoys excellent poli tical, economic and trade relations with Brazil. 
It is an important trading partner of Oman. We also work closely with Brazil in the WTO. 
4.311.  Brazil is one of the important emerging economies. Its economic policies and economic 
development have been very impressive. According to the Secretariat Report, the rate of growth of 
GDP averaged 3.6% during the period 2007-2011. 
4.312.  That is quite praiseworthy considering that this period witnessed the global financial crisis 
and the Great Recession. Brazil has pursued sound macroeconomic policies, kept inflation under 
control and made important progress toward reducing poverty and income inequality. These are 
really solid achievements. 
4.313.  The delegation of Oman is happy to conf irm that Brazil has been and continues to be a 
strong believer in and supporter of the multilateral trading system. It is a priority in Brazil’s foreign 
trade policy. We laud Brazil’s commitment to well-functioning multilateral trade rules which are 
essential for the efficiency of international trade and for the good functioning of the global economy. 
4.314.  Oman has worked closely with Brazil in th e DDA negotiations. Sadly, these are stalled. We 
earnestly hope that these negotiations will pick up  with the induction of the new Brazilian Director 
General of the WTO. 
4.315.  The report by Brazil in document WT/TPR/G/283 mentions that Brazil recognizes that the 
current deadlock in Doha talks calls for realism and pragmatism. What are the contours of realism and pragmatism that Brazil envisages. And what  concrete and balanced outcome in Bali is 
envisaged by Brazil. We would be happy to listen to Brazil’s ideas on these. 
ZIMBABWE 
4.316.  The Zimbabwe delegation is pleased to note progress made by Brazil during the period 
under review despite the world financial crisis that culminated into an economic recession. Due to 
its sound fiscal and monetary policies, Brazil remained resilient and managed to sustain 
macroeconomic stability. Brazil's recovery and po sitive economic growth trend from 2010 to 2012 
is also attributed to the use of a broad range of policy instruments that include diversification of its 
external markets. This resulted in an average growth of exports of 8.6% between 2007 and 2012. WT/TPR/M/283 • Brazil 
 
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  4.317.  Brazil and Zimbabwe have enjoyed a long history of healthy economic and diplomatic 
relations. Trade between the two countries is governed by a Most Favoured Nation Trade Agreement that came into effect in 1990. Zimbabwe and Brazil also signed a Technical and Economic Agreement in 2006. This created a sound platform for enhanced cooperation between 
Zimbabwe and Brazil’s respective business comm unities. Trade between Zimbabwe and Brazil is 
however still relatively low compared to that of other countries in the region. Since the year 2000 trade has been fluctuating, reaching a peak of US$31 933 728 in 2011. 
4.318.  Zimbabwe has benefited from transfer of technology and investment in biofuels. An 
ethanol plant that is rated as the largest in Sout hern Africa has been established in the country. 
Zimbabwe also benefited from the Brazil–Africa Economic Cooperation programme which has seen 
the country receiving assistance to the tune of US$98 million for the procurement of agricultural 
equipment from Brazil. Brazil continues to demonstrate its confidence and affinity for Africa. 
Prospects for deeper economic cooperation between Zimbabwe and Brazil are high. 
4.319.  Brazil has shown commitment to the success of the Multilateral Trading System. Zimbabwe 
like other Members will continue to benefit from Brazil’s leadership in negotiations regarding the 
G-20 proposals on agriculture. My delegation looks forward to a successful conclusion of this part 
of the Doha Development Agenda. 
4.320.  Allow me to once again congratulate Brazil over the election and appointment of 
Ambassador Roberto Azevedo as the new WTO Director-General. We are hopeful that Ambassador Roberto Azevedo will steer the Multilateral Trading System to a point of moving the Doha Development Agenda forward.  
4.321.  Brazil is an emerging and large economy with bright future prospects. I remain hopeful 
that Brazil will continue to open its markets and allow more trade and investment flows. 
RÉPUBLIQUE
 DE GUINEÉ   
4.322.  Le dynamisme que l'économie brésilienne a connu ces dernières années est, sans aucun 
doute, le fruit des efforts dans lesquels le Gouvernement du Brésil s'est engagé pour libéraliser son économie, moderniser l'environnement des affaires, moderniser les infrastructures de base, mais 
aussi ouvrir son marché. 
4.323.  Le Brésil et l'Afrique ont une histoire commune qui remonte au début du XVIème Siècle. 
Donc l'Afrique et le Brésil sont des partenaires naturels. Depuis les années 2000, les échanges entre l'Afrique et le Brésil se sont renforcés. Cela s'est matérialisé par la présence accrue du Brésil 
sur le continent africain et a ainsi développé la coopération sud-sud. Les échanges commerciaux 
entre les deux continents sont passés entre 2000 et 2012 de 5 milliards à 26 milliards de dollars. 
4.324.  Pour renforcer cette coopération, l'ancien  Président du Brésil, le Président Lula, avait 
effectué alors douze voyages sur l'Afrique et a visité 21 pays, dont la République de Guinée. La 
République de Guinée et le Brésil sont deux pays fortement minés. Les relations entre le Brésil et la Guinée sont des relations soutenues depuis les années 1970. Mais il a fallu attendre 2006 pour 
l'ouverture d'ambassades dans les deux capitales. Cette relation diplomatique a connu une nouvelle 
impulsion lorsque le Président Lula s'est rendu en Guinée. 
4.325.  Le Président de la République de Guinée a aussi effectué une visite de travail et d'amitié en 
2011 au Brésil. Cela a permis au Chef de l'État gu inéen, le Professeur Alpha Condé, de signer un 
accord de coopération avec la Présidente Dilma Rousseff, sur lequel ils ont exploré de nombreuses 
voies de coopération et d'investissements mutu ellement bénéfiques pour les deux peubles. 
4.326.  Á cette occasion, il a été décidé de redynamiser l'axe de coopération entre Conakry et 
Brasilia. Lors de cette visite, il y a également eu un volet culturel dans l'État de Bahia et un volet 
minier dans l'État de Pará.  
4.327.  L'instauration d'un modèle de coopération agricole entre la Guinée et le Brésil a vu le jour 
avec la visite du Centre de recherche et d'étude agricole à Embrapa. Á Salvador de Bahia, la forte 
délégation qui a accompagné le Chef de l'État guinéen a aussi participé à la Journée internationale WT/TPR/M/283 • Brazil 
 
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  des afro-descendants. Un accord de jumelage a été signé entre la ville de Salvador de Bahia et 
celle de Boké située sur la côte guinéenne au nord de Conakry. 
4.328.  Il a été aussi singé un accord-cadre qui permet la coopération financière entre la Guinée et 
le Brésil et qui va être promulgué très bientôt. Cette signature de l'accord-cadre va permettre la 
baisse de la dette guinéenne, il est axé sur l'introduction de meilleurs taux d'intérêt et des délais 
de remboursement plus longs. 
4.329.  C'est le lieu pour la Guinée de remercier le Gouvernement brésilien pour les opportunités 
d'accès au marché qu'il a offert aux pays les moins avancés et pour l'annulation d'une partie de la 
dette africaine qui a été annoncée par le Président Dilma Rousseff à l'occasion du cinquantième anniversaire de l'Union africaine qui vient d'être célébré au mois de mai à Addis Abeba. 
4.330.  La Guinée fonde un grand espoir à la neuv ième Conférence ministérielle qui aura bientôt 
lieu à Bali pour que les négociations du Cycle de Doha sur le développement soient relancées et le 
Brésil devrait jouer un grand rôle pour relancer ces négociations. 
4.331.  La Guinée réitère ses sincères félicitations au Gouvernement et au peuple du Brésil pour 
avoir porté un de ses fils à la tête de l'Organisation mondiale du commerce. Nous espérons 
qu'avec cette présence le travail concernant le Programme de développement de Doha sera propulsé et redynamisé. 
HONDURAS 
4.332.  El Informe de la Secretaría destaca que la economía brasileña gracias a su fuerte demanda 
interna y externa y a sus sólidas políticas macroeconómicas logró resistir satisfactoriamente la crisis económica mundial. Siendo uno de los primeros países en adoptar políticas macro 
cautelares, el Gobierno brasileño aseguró la estabilidad financiera durante la misma. Sus 
exportaciones fueron particularmente dinámicas, aumentando a una tasa media anual del 8,6% durante el período objeto de examen. Asimismo mediante el aumento sustancial de sus 
importaciones ha logrado contribuir significativamente a la recuperación de la economía mundial.  
4.333.  De igual forma notamos con satisfacción que Brasil se ha consolidado como centro de 
comercio de alcance mundial, a través de la ampliación sus corrientes comerciales y una 
considerable diversificación en la distribución geográfica de sus exportaciones e importaciones. Por 
otra parte, Brasil mantiene una política de promoción de las exportaciones mediante una serie de programas encaminados a aumentar la competitividad de las empresas orientadas a la exportación, en particular las de pequeño tamaño, y aumentar las exportaciones.  
4.334.  Acogemos con agrado los importantes progresos en materia de reducción de pobreza, 
desempleo y desigualdad logrados mediante un crecimiento económico enérgico y sostenido durante casi una década y a través de la implementación de activas políticas de ingresos. Según 
datos del Banco Mundial, el índice de pobreza se redujo considerablemente de un 21% en el 2003 
a un 11% en el 2009. 
4.335.  Nos complace observar en su Informe de  Gobierno, que Brasil le atribuye carácter 
prioritario al sistema multilateral de comercio como fundamento de su régimen comercial y medio 
para alcanzar sus objetivos de desarrollo sobre la base de un crecimiento económico sostenible y socialmente inclusivo. Como Miembro fundador de la  OMC, cabe destacar que Brasil es participante 
muy activo en sus trabajos, presentando numerosas propuestas relativas a la agricultura, el 
comercio de servicios, los derechos de propiedad intelectual y las normas comerciales, entre otros 
temas. Asimismo, Brasil ha participado activamente en el desarrollo del proceso de Ayuda para el Comercio, en el que desempeñado una doble función, como beneficiario y donante. Concordamos 
que para asegurar la eficiencia del comercio internacional y el buen funcionamiento de la economía 
mundial son esenciales unas normas comerciales multilaterales que funcionen debidamente. En este contexto, el Brasil ha reiterado constantemente su compromiso con la conclusión de la Ronda 
de Doha y con su objetivo de promover un sistema de comercio internacional más equitativo y 
orientado al desarrollo. 
4.336.  Tomando en cuenta el dinamismo y solidez de las variables fundamentales de la economía 
brasileña, y su enérgica participación en el plano multilateral, no cabe duda del importante papel WT/TPR/M/283 • Brazil 
 
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  que juega Brasil en la economía mundial hoy en día. Según datos del Foro Económico Mundial, en 
el 2009 Brasil fue el país más competitivo del mundo. Actualmente es la séptima economía más grande a nivel mundial y la economía más fuerte en la América Latina. 
4.337.  En cuanto a las relaciones bilaterales de Brasil y Honduras, nuestro comercio es 
relativamente pequeño y nuestra balanza comercial es deficitaria. El Gobierno del Presidente Lobo 
le ha atribuido gran importancia a fortalecer las relaciones económicas, comerciales y de cooperación con Brasil, prueba de ello es la visita oficial que realizó el Canciller hondureño a 
Brasilia en febrero del año pasado.  
4.338.  Dicha visita tuvo como propósito discutir varios temas entre ellos, la negociación en el 
mediano plazo de un acuerdo de libre comercio, bajo la egida de un acuerdo de complementación y/o asociación económica que incluya otros sectores como energía, agricultura, infraestructura y 
cooperación entre otros. Confiamos que en un futuro cercano podamos incrementar nuestras 
relaciones comerciales con Brasil. 
4.339.  Igualmente, deseamos aprovechar la oportunidad para agradecerle al Gobierno brasileño 
la valiosa cooperación brindada en los últimos años. La Agencia Brasileña de Cooperación, firmó el 
año pasado un convenio mediante el cual busca im pulsar proyectos de energía renovable, para las 
comunidades rurales, así como fortalecer los procesos de seguridad alimentaria a través de 
centros de recuperación infantil, sistemas de irrigación, distribución y productividad de los 
pequeños agricultores, entre otras iniciativas.  
ANGOLA 4.340.  Les rapports qui nous ont été présentés montrent non seulement les contraintes 
auxquelles fait encore face le Brésil, mais aussi les performances de l’économie brésilienne 
pendant la période de 2009 à 2012. 
4.341.  Le Brésil est pour l’Angola un modèle en matière économique qui accorde la priorité au 
développement social en conjuguant la croissance économique, la répartition du revenu et les 
politiques ciblées visant à combattre la pauvreté, à réduire les inégalités et à améliorer le niveau de vie de la population. 
4.342.  Ce choix se justifie par les liens historiques de consanguinité, culturels, économiques et 
commerciaux dans le cadre de la Communauté des Pays de Langue Portugaise (CPLP). 
4.343.  Se fondant sur l’expérience brésilienne, le Gouvernement de la République d’Angola a mis 
en place son programme visant la réduction de la pauvreté par le biais du commerce. 
4.344.  Les échanges commerciaux entre nos deux pays sont croissants. 
4.345.  De 2009 à 2012 le Brésil a exporté les biens et services vers l’Angola pour une valeur 
globale de trois milliards quatre cents millions (3.400.000.000 USD) de dollars américains, tandis 
que les importations de biens et services de l’Angola sont évaluées à un milliard cent vingt et deux 
millions (1.122.000.000 USD) de dollars américains durant la même période. 
4.346.  Bien que la balance commerciale entre nos deux pays soit encore en faveur du Brésil, 
l’Angola apprécie les investissements brésiliens qui – nous l’espérons – contribueront à la 
diversification économique et des exportations vers le Brésil. 
4.347.  Pour terminer nous encourageons le Gouvernement brésilien à poursuivre sa politique qui 
vise à accorder aux pays en développement et aux pays les moins avancés un traitement spécial 
et différencié vers l’instauration des conditions égales pour tous les membres. 
QATAR 4.348.  My Country has strong trade ties with Brazil. For example between 2003 and 2011, trade 
in goods between Qatar and Brazil grew more than fifteen folds, from US$37 million to 
US$575 million. WT/TPR/M/283 • Brazil 
 
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  4.349.  In 2011, the total amount of Brazilian exports to Qatar reached US$337 million. 93% of 
these are concentrated in three products: 41% in iron ore, 29% in poultry, and 23% calcined alumina. 
4.350.  In 2011, Brazilian imports from Qatar reached US$238 million, including 49% in liquefied 
natural gas (LNG), 19% in polyethylene, 14% in  urea, 11% of naphthas, and 7% in sulphur. 
4.351.  To conclude, I would like to take this opportunity to extend my warms congratulations to 
Brazil upon Election of H.E Mr. Azevedo as next Director General of the WTO. 
BARBADOS 
4.352.  My delegation congratulates the Government  of Brazil on its strong economic performance 
and its resilience over the review period. Through the support of strong domestic and foreign demand as well high prices for Brazils’ commodity exports and strong macroeconomic policy the 
country was successful in weathering the global economic crisis and simulating growth. In 2011, 
Brazil, an upper middle income Latin American country was the sixth largest economy the world.  It has also been noted as the sixth largest recipient of foreign direct investment in the world and 
largest recipient in the Latin American region. This  is indeed commendable, given that FDI inflows 
in 2012 amounted to US$60 billion almost doubling inflows recorded in 2007. 
4.353.  Although Brazil has made significant stride s in enhancing its economic development, it has 
been noted that there are some structural problems affecting its competitiveness and which 
restricts its ability to achieve higher levels of growth. These are complex and onerous tax system, inadequate infrastructure, highly regulated labour markets and high costs for industrial inputs. We 
therefore note the efforts made by Brazil aimed at increasing competitiveness and congratulate 
them on the formulation and implementation of  the Plano Brasil Maior 2011-2014 geared at 
bolstering development and regaining competitiveness through the utilization of industrial, technological and foreign trade policies. We wish them well in this regard.  
4.354.  Brazil continues to demonstrate its commitm ent to the multilateral trading system through 
its participation in the Doha Round of negotiations, particularly, in its support for advancing the development interests for developing countries, including Small, Vulnerable Economies (SVEs). In 
this connection, my delegation enjoys a constructive working relationship with the delegation of 
Brazil and acknowledges the active role that Braz il plays in the ongoing Doha Development Agenda 
(DDA) as outlined in the Secretariat’s report. As a sister country in the Latin America and Caribbean region, Barbados maintains cordial trade and political relations with Brazil.  Like Brazil, 
Barbados notes the importance of regional trade in expanding the market for domestic production 
and enhancing socio-economic development in our countries and we continue to examine ways in which we can deepen the relationship with our Latin American neighbor.   
GUATEMALA 
4.355.  Resaltamos que Brasil ha sido un importante socio para Guatemala no solamente desde el 
punto de vista comercial. Brasil también ha apoyado a Guatemala tras varios lamentables 
acontecimientos suscitados en el marco de desastres naturales que han azotado a nuestro país, 
por lo que estamos agradecidos con esta nación. 
4.356.  Nos complace observar que en el período examinado, Brasil ha tenido significativos 
avances económicos en los últimos 5 años logrando un crecimiento promedio del 3,6% del PIB 
real, obteniendo a la vez progresos importantes en materia de reducción de la pobreza, el 
desempleo y la desigualdad de ingresos. Todo esto vemos que ha sido resultado de políticas macroeconómicas sólidas que han ido de la mano con un adecuado manejo cambiario y un 
fomento a sus exportaciones que les ha permitido crecer anualmente en este rubro a un ritmo 
promedio del 8,6%.  
4.357.  Nos llama la atención, sin embargo, que Brasil en apoyo a los sectores que se han visto 
afectados por la desaceleración, tal como se indica en el informe de la secretaria, se hayan 
adoptado medidas que tiene efectos de restricción al comercio como el aumento temporal de los aranceles y la utilización de márgenes preferenciales para los bienes y servicios nacionales en la contratación pública. WT/TPR/M/283 • Brazil 
 
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  4.358.  Con similar preocupación vemos el hecho de que hasta la fecha Brasil haya firmado 14 
Acuerdos bilaterales sobre inversión y negociado dos protocolos del MERCOSUR relativo a esta misma materia sin que todos estos instrumentos haya entrado en vigor por circunstancias diversas mencionadas en el informe de la Secretaría. Esta circunstancia levanta una alerta ante iniciativas 
de futuras negociaciones bilaterales con Brasil.  
4.359.  Finalmente, quisiéramos también manifestar nuestra preocupación porque Brasil aún no 
haya ratificado hasta la fecha el cuarto protocolo al AGCS, esperando que las gestiones internas 
necesarias para su ratificación estén próximas a concluir. 
4.360.  En términos generales, reconocemos los esfuerzos de Brasil en importantes áreas y 
esperamos que estos esfuerzos vayan progresivamente alcanzando los objetivos planteados. WT/TPR/M/283 • Brazil 
 
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  5  REPLIES BY THE REPRESENTATIVE OF  BRAZIL AND ADDITIONAL COMMENTS 
5.1.  As we are about to enter the final phase of the Sixth Trade Policy Review of Brazil, I wish to 
thank you, Mr. Chairman, for the efficient way in which you have conducted our work. I would also like to warmly thank our discussant, Ambassador Choi, from Korea, for his interesting and inspired 
comments. We are pleased at the keen interest displayed in relation to Brazil's policies in so many 
different areas. We have received written questions from 32 delegations. On Monday, 42 delegations intervened in the debate representing, as you mentioned, roughly half the 
Membership of the WTO. 
5.2.  We welcome the comments, suggestions and, indeed, even the criticism that we have 
received from Members. We are pleased to have an  opportunity to answer questions and to clarify 
aspects of our trade regime.  
5.3.  The trade policy review is, first and foremost, a learning experience. It offers the opportunity 
to see how the WTO rule book is translated and applied in order to cope with the political, legal, economic and social realities of each Member. The objective, as stated in the preamble to the 
GATT, is to raise standards of living, to ensure full employment and a large and steadily growing 
volume of real income and effective demand, to develop the full use of the resources of the world and to expand the production and exchange of good s. This is the real test of good trade policy. 
5.4.  At the same time, WTO rules also embody our collective commitment to pursue these 
objectives through the progressive reduction of barriers to trade and non-discrimination. We are therefore pleased to have brought such a large and diversified delegation from Brasília. My 
colleagues have taken copious notes and they will consider carefully the remarks that were made 
here. 
5.5.  I would now like to start addressing the points that were raised on Monday. 5.6.  The Permanent Representative of Paraguay has raised some issues related to his country's 
situation within MERCOSUR.  
5.7.  While noting that none of Paraguay's remarks bear any relationship to WTO rules in general 
or to Brazil's TPR in particular, my Delegation finds it appropriate to reiterate that the decision to 
suspend Paraguay from MERCOSUR bodies an d deliberations was made unanimously, at 
presidential level, following the rupture of the democratic order in that neighboring country. My delegation also recalls that the decision does not directly intend to pass judgment on internal matters in Paraguay as such, but, rather, constitutes a necessary response to the principle, 
enshrined in the Ushuaia Protocol on Democratic Commitment, that fully-functioning democratic 
institutions are essential to the integration processes taking place within MERCOSUR. An analogous decision was taken by consensus within UNASUR.  
5.8.  At the same time, my Delegation would like to point out that Brazil, together with the other 
MERCOSUR Member States, has taken every step to ensure that no measure be taken in a way that may cause damage to the people of Para guay. Cooperation with Paraguay remains fully 
operational. With regard to trade, I note with sati sfaction that Paraguay's exports to Brazil totaled 
US$789 million in 2011 and US$1.067 billion in 2012,  an increase of over 35%. Brazil was the 
main destination of Paraguay’s exports in both years. It accounted for over 14% of Paraguay’s 
exports in 2011 and over 21% in 2012. In the first few months of this year, exports have also 
increased compared to the same period in 2012.  
5.9.  Finally, my Delegation would like to take this opportunity to welcome the fact that electoral 
authorities in Paraguay authorized a UNASUR mission to accompany elections held in that country 
on 21 April 2013, and to remind that the Presidents of all MERCOSUR Member States in full 
exercise of their rights called President-elect Hora cio Cartes to congratulate him on his election. 
5.10.  Turning now to the object of our TPR proper, I will try to address the list of topics that you, 
Mr. Chairman, kindly provided at the end of our session on Monday, though not in the same order.  
5.11.  The first issue is the macroeconomic environment. We are pleased to note that Members 
acknowledge the overall good performance of the Brazilian economy in the period under review. WT/TPR/M/283 • Brazil 
 
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  This is a result of structural measures aimed at reinforcing macroeconomic stability and of the 
establishment, over a number of years, of a sound basis for macroeconomic management – including the use of countercyclical measures. 
5.12.  The consolidation of the basis for sustainable growth in the long run is, however, a work in 
progress. The challenge of development is that th ere are many tasks that have to be pursued in 
parallel. The institutions in charge of formulating and implementing public policies have been strengthened, but shortcomings remain. Brazil has finally achieved universal primary education, 
but there is a need to improve quality. The health  care system has made great strides, but it still 
falls short of expectations. The employment situation has improved on all fronts, but there is a shortage of skills in some areas. There is a huge need for improvements in infrastructure. There is 
a strong commitment to reduce the environmental impact of economic activities. None of these 
tasks is simple. And they have to be – and are being – undertaken at the same time.  
5.13.  We would like to expand on what is being do ne on each of these areas, but in the interest of 
time I will focus on the issues more directly related to trade. A point worth stressing is that the 
Brazilian Government is committed to continue to improve the business climate for domestic and 
foreign investors. The point has been made that our tax system is complex and burdensome. We are only too aware of that, and you can count on the support of the Brazilian private sector to 
push for rationalization and simplification. It is an effort for the long haul, however, as the reforms 
have to be undertaken within the constraints of a democratic and federal system.  
5.14.  The Government is working with Congress on these issues. There has been a change in 
tactics in the more recent period. Instead of trying to garner support for a “Big Bang” reform of 
taxation, a more gradual approach has been taken. This has led, for instance, to a significant 
reduction in energy costs. There has also been a shift in payroll-based to revenue-based taxes, which is intended to favor labor-intensive firms. We expect to be able to report further 
improvements by the time of our next TPR, but I cannot promise definitive solutions. 
5.15.  With regard to infrastructure, public investment in logistics, social and urban infrastructure 
totaled R$557.4 billion (US$250 billion) in the la st two years. Roughly the same amount is 
expected to be spent until the end of next year.  
5.16.  As we mentioned on Monday, the legal framework has also been changed in order to 
promote private investment, in airports, ports, road s and railways. To give just an example, under 
legislation enacted earlier this year, we expect to foster private investment in ports to the tune of 
more than US$30 billion until 2017. This will stimulate competition in this sector. As a result, 
domestic and foreign traders will enjoy better serv ice and lower costs when using Brazilian ports.  
5.17.  A number of delegations have made comments with regard to the time required for customs 
clearance. I would like to point out that Brazil has taken measures to reduce customs clearance 
time, with good results. There was, however, an increase in average clearance time in 2012 due to public-sector strikes and infrastructural problems. We expect improvements on both counts. 
5.18.  Some ongoing initiatives were mentioned in the Reports and are worth highlighting in this 
session:  
 In August 2012, a National Centre for Customs Risk Management (CERAD) was set up to 
 improve the risk management and targeting of transactions.  
 Since May 2013, 24/7 working hours for customs clearance have been adopted at 8 major 
 seaports. 
 By the end of 2013, non-intrusive inspection equipment for containerized cargo inspection 
 will be in place at the major points of entry,  mainly to speed up and to improve the customs 
 clearance flow.  
5.19.  In addition, Brazilian Customs has al ready started process-mapping, reviewing and 
re-engineering its customs operations, with a view to improving import and export procedures in 
the near future. One of the main ongoing projects is the International Trade Gateway (Portal Único WT/TPR/M/283 • Brazil 
 
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  de Comércio Exterior), which aims at integrating the existing systems in a single system in the 
near future.  
5.20.  A number of Members have expressed concern at the increase in the number of 
antidumping investigations in Brazil. It is worth stressing that the use of trade defense instruments 
is a function of the number of petitions subm itted by the domestic industry, and not as a 
consequence of political decisions. During the period under review, all investigations were initiated through petitions submitted by the Brazilian indu stry. Petitions are examined exclusively from a 
technical point of view. About 50% of petitions are rejected, i.e., they do not lead to 
investigations. Out of all investigations initiated, about 40% do not result in the imposition of definitive measures. During the period of investigation all interested parties are granted full opportunities to express their views. And, as I mentioned on Monday, the share of Brazilian 
imports affected by trade defense measures has actually declined in the last 4 years.  
5.21.  There have also been some references to Brazilian incentives to agriculture and fisheries. 5.22.   The openness of the Brazilian agricultural trade regime is widely recognized by multilateral 
organizations. Our tariffs are low, and Brazil’s domestic support measures are limited: our AMS 
commitment represents less that 1% of Brazilian production. Brazil also does not grant export 
subsidies. 
5.23.  Brazilian support to agriculture is much lower than the average of OECD countries, despite 
its greater need of assistance to micro, small an d medium producers. The focus of our agricultural 
policy on small and family farms has continued to increase in recent years. The Government remains committed to the adoption of less distortive measures, as our figures regarding green box 
measures clearly show. 
5.24.  In the field of fisheries subsidies, it is worth recalling that Brazil has played a key role in the 
discussions in the Negotiating Group on Rules of the Doha Round. In those negotiations, Brazil was 
a major defendant of the positive relationship between fisheries subsidies and overcapacity and 
overfishing, in line with some of the core positi ons advocated by countries of the so-called Friends 
of Fish. In line with this approach, I would like to stress that fisheries programs in Brazil take into 
consideration both sustainability and fishing effort analysis in order to avoid spillover effects, with 
precautionary and ecosystemic elements. 
5.25.  In addition, in international terms, the programs carried out by the Brazilian government 
accounted only for negligible disbursement amounts. Disbursements under the diesel oil 
equalization program accounted for only US$1.2 million in 2012. Only 13 vessels benefited from 
the program for modernization and construction since 2006. 
5.26.  With regard to export incentives, it is worth stressing that since the last Trade Policy Review 
of Brazil, there were no major quantitative or qualitative changes in export financing programmes. 
5.27.  Brazilian financing policy during the past fo ur years aimed at sustaining the level of medium 
and long-term financing to exporters, in the context of the global economic and financial crisis. 
From 2009 to 2012, Brazilian exports of manufactured goods remained relatively buoyant, 
resulting in BNDES’ disbursements in 2012 being lower than in 2008.  
5.28.  As regards compliance with obligations under the TBT Agreement, it was remarked that 
Brazil had not made any notifications under Articl e 10.7 of the Agreement since 2003. This is true, 
but the reason is that, as in the case of most other Members, there were mutual recognition 
agreements to notify during this period. 
5.29.  Brazil continues to make efforts to in crease transparency and to promote a better 
understanding of Brazilian technical regulation s among fellow WTO Members. During the period 
under review, INMETRO made 395 notifications of technical regulations and conformity assessment procedures to the TBT Secretariat (considering new measures, addenda and corrigenda). Brazilian 
notifications accounted for 5.2% of all notifica tions made by Members during this period.  WT/TPR/M/283 • Brazil 
 
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  5.30.  With regard to technical regulations and conformity assessment procedures, more 
specifically the certification of industrialized products, we would like to clarify that most products are already certified in accordance with the requirements of international standards.  
5.31.  For a few products which may offer higher risks to human health, Brazilian regulations still 
require prior exam from Brazilian authorities. The possibility of recognition of Good Manufacturing 
Practices (GMP) certificates issued by foreign Health Authorities on a reciprocity basis is under consideration. 
5.32.  Moving on to intellectual property, a few delegations have reiterated previous comments 
regarding the role of ANVISA.  
5.33.  For our part, we would like to recall that Article 1.1 of the TRIPS Agreement provides that 
"Members shall be free to determine the appropriate method of implementing the provisions of this 
Agreement within their own legal system and practice." In Brazil, the granting of pharmaceutical 
patents is one complex administrative act. This act relies on the combined expertise of both ANVISA and INPI. 
5.34.  ANVISA’s examinations are carried out in full compliance with the Industrial Property Act 
and with the three criteria of patentability pr ovided in Article 27.1 of the TRIPS Agreement: 
novelty, inventive step and industrial application. ANVISA’s role in the granting of pharmaceutical 
patents also relies on Article 27.2 of the TRIPS Agreement. We are confident that it does not 
constitute an obstacle to international trade.   
5.35.  Regarding foreign direct investment, we would like to point out that foreign capital in Brazil 
receives the same legal treatment as that given to local capital in the same sector. No restrictions 
are applied to the distribution and remittance of profits abroad. 
5.36.  FDI flows and stocks have significantly increased over the past 15 years in Brazil, making 
the country the largest host for foreign investment in Latin America and second only to China 
among developing countries.  
5.37.  In the specific case of the acquisition and lease of rural land by foreign investors, a number 
of regulations apply. In 2010, a mandatory Government legal opinion clarified that Brazilian 
companies with foreign equity control are subject to the same regime imposed on foreign 
companies.  
5.38.  Existing conditions and limitations have  not hampered the development of productive 
investment by foreign companies in Brazil, since the Law provides the mechanisms to ensure the 
analysis of agricultural, cattle-raising, industrial or settlement projects. 
5.39.  The discussant raised a question about changes in the competition framework in Brazil. In 
fact, the Brazilian competition authority, CADE, ha s become more effective by focusing on cases 
with a larger potential impact on competition. The new competition law established a pre-merger 
analysis system, which increased the speed of CADE ’s procedures. As a result of the reform of 
CADE, the British publication “Global Competition Review” assessed it as one of the ten best 
competition agencies in the world. 
5.40.  Some GPA participants raised questions about Government procurement. At the moment,   
 Brazil has no plans to join the GPA.    Nevertheless, the Brazilian government continues to improve 
transparency and efficiency by streamlining the bidding process and publishing all related 
information on the government procurement official website.    T h a t  i s  w h y ,  a s  n o t e d  b y  t h e  
Discussant, the OECD commended Brazil’s prog ress in promoting transparency and risk-
management throughout the procurement cycle.    
5.41.  I would also like to stress that the defini tion of sectors and their respective preferential 
margins is not arbitrary, but rather based on impact assessments.    The calculation of preferential 
margins is not intended to restrict trade. Th e methodology of calculation aims to equalize 
competitive conditions among all supply sources.    WT/TPR/M/283 • Brazil 
 
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  5.42.  Moving on to import licensing, it is worth noting that less than 20% of goods are licensed by 
more than one entity. Products subject to non-automatic licensing are listed in the Administrative Treatment of the Integrated System of Foreign Trade (SISCOMEX) and can also be found on the web page of the Ministry of Development, Indust ry and Foreign Trade (MDIC). They consist mostly 
of products that may cause damage to human, plant or animal health, products capable of causing 
environmental damage, products classified as weapons or made for warlike purposes, products subject to tariff-rate quotas and products subject to trade remedies measures established in 
accordance with the WTO agreements. 
5.43.  Brazil is constantly reviewing and improving its import licensing regime. The Technical 
Group on Trade Facilitation (GTFAC) established by  CAMEX is updating procedures and regulatory 
legislation, in addition to fostering cooperation and risk assessment analysis among government 
agencies. The GTFAC acts as the National Trade Facilitation Committee in Brazil and is responsible 
for monitoring, reviewing, reporting progresses and proposing measures in a wide range of trade facilitation aspects on a permanent basis to the Council of Ministers of the Brazilian Ministerial 
Chamber of Foreign Trade (CAMEX). 
5.44.  On services, there were few comments from delegations. I understand there is a general 
recognition that the Brazilian market is fairly open, although our level of commitments under GATS 
is not very high. There was a comment from a delegation regarding a tax on the use of 
lighthouses. Its impact is so marginal that I think it throws light on the absence of major obstacles to foreign providers in Brazil. 
5.45.  Several delegations complained about tariff increases in Brazil. I would like to make two 
points in this regard. The first is that it would have been fair to praise us for the many instances in 
which tariffs have been lowered. The second point is that I am tempted to say that we were motivated by the desire to see some recognition of the value of the water in our tariffs. In the 
course of the Doha negotiations, we often heard th at the only tariff reductions that mattered were 
the ones that lowered applied rates. Had the Doha Round been concluded, those tariffs would not have gone up. 
5.46.  This brings me to the final issue I would like to raise. Delegations have asked us not to raise 
tariffs, to join the GPA or the ITA. We also have our wish list and we will not fail to let you know about it in the course of the coming trade policy review of each of your countries. But they will remain as wishes unless, to use again the language in the preamble to the GATT, we decide to 
“enter into reciprocal and mutually advantageous arrangements directed to the substantial 
reduction of tariffs and other barriers to trade”. This is why Brazil is deeply committed to the success of the 9th WTO Ministerial Conference in Bali. A balanced package is crucial to revive the 
negotiating pillar of the WTO and therefore to strengthen the multilateral trading system. 
5.47.  Brazil believes that we need balanced and effective results in Agriculture, Trade Facilitation 
and Development. Brazil has been very active in tabling proposals and has engaged in the 
discussions in a constructive manner. Brazil’s participation is aimed at a successful conclusion in 
Bali and we are confident that the membership w ill deliver what the world is expecting from us. 
DISCUSSANT 5.48.  I am very happy to note that Members have actively engaged in the 6th TPR of Brazil over 
the past few days. I heard their recognition of the Brazil’s overall development potential and 
economic performance as well as its achievements during the period under review. At the same time, we also shared Members’ questions and concerns about Brazil’s trade and investment policy 
regimes. In response, the Brazilian delegation pr ovided detailed answers and clarifications on 
questions raised, and at the same time, showed its commitment to improve some of the areas, including complex tax schemes, customs procedures, import licensing schemes etc., which I 
greatly appreciate.  
5.49.  Considering the size of Brazil’s economy and the multi-faceted nature of its trade policies, 
this short period would not be sufficient to cover all of the issues on its trade and investment policies. I wish to note some of the points which WTO Members raised during this session: WT/TPR/M/283 • Brazil 
 
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  5.50.  First, regarding measures directly affecting imports, Members raised questions including on 
structural problems, complex customs procedures, customs valuation and rules of origin, gaps existing between applied and bound tariffs, comple x internal taxation schemes including IPI, and 
non-automatic import licensing system. Questions were also raised on the frequent use of trade 
remedy measures including, in particular the AD . Of course, Brazilian delegation responded in 
detail to those questions raised last Monday.   
5.51.  Second, regarding measures directly affecting exports, questions on complicated export 
procedures and export taxes and duties were raised. In particular, a number of clarifications were 
sought on export incentives and export financing, and particularly the domestic content requirement in BNDES-EXIM programmes, and their consistency with the relevant WTO rules. In addition, many questions were put forward on incentives and support programmes including the 
INOVAR-Auto programme, competition policy, the government procurement regime, and the IPR 
regime in general. 
5.52.  In conclusion, I believe that the two day meeting provided a good opportunity to review 
Brazil’s trade policy and the interactions between  Members and the Brazilian delegation have been 
both informative and productive. Of course, there are remaining points which were not brought up or warrant further discussions. We will continue to look at these issues very closely. In addition to 
that substantive dialogue, we saw a big welcome for the upcoming Director General of the WTO 
from Brazil as well as the expectation for Brazil  as an emerging power and its continued strong 
commitment in the multilateral trading system. I would like to thank all of you, and wish Ambassador Mesquita and his delegation a safe trip back to Brazil.   
PERÚ 
5.53.  Nuestra delegación aprecia que el Brasil, en el período en estudio regista un crecimiento 
económico sólido y políticas que han permitido progresos para reducir la pobreza, desempleo y la 
desigualdad en los ingresos. Tales logros obtenidos pese a un contexto internacional complejo 
marcado por una crisis económica global, son atribuibles a una demanda nacional e internacional fuerte y también a políticas macroeconómicas sólidas.  
5.54.  Brasil registró un crecimiento de su economía del orden del 3,6% por año en el período 
2007-2012, apoyado por una vigorosa demanda y altos precios de los commodities brasileños, en particular mineros y agrícolas así como un crecimiento anual de su comercio del orden del 8,6%  No obstante, se aprecia un enfriamiento de su economía a partir de la segunda mitad del 2011 con 
un promedio de crecimiento en el 2012 de apenas 0,9%. Si bien esta pérdida de dinamismo puede 
ser atribuible a la apreciación de su moneda y una lentitud de la economía mundial, tambien refleja problemas estructurales de larga data que afectan la competitividad de la economía 
brasileña como una inadecuada infraestructura, insuficiente acceso al crédito y alto nivel de 
impuestos. Apreciamos que el Gobierno del Brasil está tomando medidas para atender estos cuellos de botella, en particular en cuanto a infraestructura, incluso a través de alianzas público-
privadas y reduciendo la carga impositiva en ciertas industrias manufactureras, y promoviendo 
activamente la inversión privada, en particular en infraestructura de transporte, energía y sectores intensivos de tecnología para mejorar su competitividad, registrandose en el 2012 como el sexto receptor de Inversión extranjera directa a nivel mundial.  
5.55.  Los vínculos históricos entre el Perú y Brasil, que comparten una frontera de más de 
3000 kms, vienen de larga data, con una relación bilateral muy estrecha marcada por la cooperación habiéndose elevado esta relación al nivel de una alianza estratégica. La relación 
bilateral se ha visto enriquecida por el creciente comercio, el aumento de inversiones brasileñas en 
el Perú, y viceversa, y los frecuentes intercambios turísticos, empresariales, académicos, tecnológicos y culturales, y el proceso de integración física en curso, que tiene en la carretera 
interoceánica un pilar importante, por lo que mi delegación considera con especial interés este 
examen. 
5.56.  Tenemos muchos elementos de convergencia con el Brasil, compartimos en la OMC el 
objetivo de un desarrollo sostenible y asimismo, el compromiso para una exitosa conclusión de la 
Ronda de Doha, y el de lograr un paquete equilibrado en Bali que incluya Facilitación del Comercio, 
agricultura y desarrollo. En el marco de grupos de interés, participamos en el G-20 y en el grupo Cairns, para lograr una mayor apertura y menos distorsión del comercio agrícola. Nuestros WT/TPR/M/283 • Brazil 
 
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  gobiernos están comprometidos en promover un desarrollo sostenible con inclusión social, y 
consideran que el comercio debe ser una herramienta de desarrollo y bienestar para nuestras poblaciones.  
5.57.  Las relaciones comerciales bilaterales se han fortalecido con la adopción del Acuerdo de 
Complementación Económica N° 58 (ACE 58) por el Perú y los Estados parte del MERCOSUR, el 
cual entró en vigor en enero del 2006. El ACE 58 tiene entre sus objetivos el establecer un marco jurídico e institucional de cooperación e integración económica y física que contribuya a la creación 
de un espacio económico ampliado, a fin de facilitar la libre circulación de bienes y servicios y la 
plena utilización de los factores productivos, en condiciones de competência.  
5.58.  Brasil es uno de los socios comerciales más importantes en la región latino-americana para 
el Perú y el intercambio bilateral es creciente, registrándose un potencial para el comercio de 
productos no tradicionales. Nuestras exportaciones al Brasil, al cierre del 2012 ascendieron a 
1,403 millones de dólares EE.UU. siendo los principales productos exportados: minerales y manufacturas de cobre, minerales de cinc, hidrocarburos, plata, aceitunas, lacas colorantes, 
fosfatos de calcio, camisas de algodón, tara y materias colorantes. Las importaciones ascendieron 
a 2,579 millones de dólares EE.UU. y se concentran en aceites, vehículos, maiz duro, productos laminados de hierro y acero.  
5.59.  Brasil es el origen del 5% de la IED en el Perú, y según los registros de la Embajada del 
Brasil en Lima, ascendieron a 6 mil millones de dólares EE.UU., y están concentradas en los sectores minería, industria y servicios. También empresas peruanas están invirtiendo en el Brasil, en particular en el ramo de bebidas y gaseosas, alimentos y banca, pudiendo citar entre las 
inversionistas peruanas a empresas como Ajegroup e Interbank así como al Grupo Brescia y el 
Grupo Gloria. Creemos que las inversiones peruanas van a continuar sobre todo en sectores como gastronomía, donde hay un campo interesante para nuestras franquicias. 
5.60.  Tenemos por ello expectativas que el nivel de comercio e inversiones se incremente, y en 
particular las exportaciones peruanas, dado que la balanza comercial es actualmente superavitaria a favor de Brasil.   
5.61.  En esta oportunidad, nuestra delegación ha presentado algunas preguntas al Brasil referidas 
a su administración aduanera, normas técnicas, derechos de propiedad intelectual, dispositivos sobre Obstáculos Técnicos al Comercio en acuerdos comerciales regionales, aplicación de las medidas antidumping, apoyo a las exportaciones y medidas fiscales conexas, políticas de 
competencia y contratación pública. Agradecemos a la delegación del Brasil por sus respuestas. 
5.62.  Finalmente mi delegación desea que este examen sea exitoso para Brasil, y que el mismo 
pueda servir de base para potenciar su desarrollo. 
EUROPEAN
 UNION 
5.63.  We would like to acknowledge and express our appreciation for the efforts made by the 
Delegation of Brazil in presenting its replies to Members' advance questions (more tan 
800 questions received). 
5.64.  We have carefully studied the replies which provide us with valuable information necessary 
to understand the situation in Brazil on the issues raised in our first set of questions. 
5.65.  However, in several areas we would still like to be provided with additional clarification as to 
certain measures, and in particular those that involve the use of incentives to domestic producers 
through tax breaks linked to local content conditions. 
5.66.  Regarding Brazil's decision to raise a significant number of tariffs, as exceptions to the 
MERCOSUR Common External Tariff (CET), we would like to know what is the rationale behing this 
step, which, we understand, has been taken following a product-by-product analysis of competitiveness. 
5.67.  On Sanitary and Phytosanitary measures, we are eager to know more about the measures 
taken by the Government to improve its import procedures and controls, in particular whether WT/TPR/M/283 • Brazil 
 
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  these efforts will lead to a simpler system elim inating overlapping, burdensome procedures, that 
do not add any value from an SPS protection point of view. 
5.68.  Regarding the export taxes and the public  procurement domestic preference margins, we 
are interested in getting further information from Brazil on whether they consider these measures 
still justified and on the basis of what studies/analysis. 
5.69.  We are looking forward to this session to complete our understanding of Brazil's trade policy 
and reiterate our appreciation for the answers that Brazil has already provided. 
UNITED  STATES 
5.70.  The United States would like to thank Brazil for answering our advance written questions. 
The United States does have a few follow-up questions which we have already submitted in writing and I will briefly mention the topics today. 
5.71.  First, Brazil's implementation of the TRQ commitment on wheat as indicated in Schedule III 
of Brazil’s Uruguay Round goods schedule. Se cond, application procedures for geographic 
indication registration. And third, ANVISA's procedures for patent application. 
5.72.  We thank Brazil for its early replies and look forward to receiving its answers to these 
questions in due course. 
JAPAN 
5.73.  Japan expresses its sincere appreciation for the effort made by the Brazilian delegation for 
providing us with the informative explanation in your responses to our concerns. I also appreciate the help for comments from the Discussant. 
5.74.  Japan has submitted follow-up questions on interest rate applied under PROEX Equalization 
and on details of eligibility for using the modified PROEX. We are looking forward to receiving 
Brazil's answers in due course. 
5.75.  Finally we reiterate our hope that Brazil  will address the areas of concerns raised by 
Members, and that as a player with responsibility it will continue its strong commitment to 
strengthening the multilateral trading system. 
CANADA 
5.76.  Canada, like others, would like to thank Brazil for the answers provided to our questions 
and also for the information provided this morning in the statement responding to some of our concerns and questions raised on the first day. 
5.77.  Canada does have two small follow-up questions related to special cases where they may be 
some cooperation on conformity assessment. 
PARAGUAY 5.78.  Solamente quiero reiterar que la suspensi ón impuesta al Paraguay por todos los miembros 
del MERCOSUR es carente de legalidad pues trasgr ede los principios fundamentales del bloque en 
El Protocolo de Ushuaia como bien mencionó el Embajador de Brasil.  
5.79.  Quiero también reiterar que otra gran violación del Tratado es la reciente ampliación del 
bloque. Otras importantes decisiones tomadas por el bloque desde la ausencia del Paraguay como 
la elaboración del arancel externo común, el aumento de la protección del bloque también son carentes de legalidad porque no está sustentado en el consenso establecido en el Protocolo. WT/TPR/M/283 • Brazil 
 
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  6  CONCLUDING REMARKS BY THE CHAIRPERSON 
6.1.  This sixth Trade Policy Review of Brazil has provided an excellent opportunity to improve our 
understanding of Brazil trade and investment policies. I would like to thank Ambassador Paulo Estivallet de Mesquita, Director-General of the Ec onomic Department at the Brazilian Ministry of 
External Relations, Minister-Counsellor Marcia Donn er Abreu of the Permanent Mission of Brazil to 
the WTO, and the rest of the large Brazilian delegation, for their constructive engagement throughout this exercise. I would also like to thank Ambassador CHOI, Permanent Representative 
of the Republic of Korea to the WTO, for his inte rvention as discussant. Brazil's written answers to 
the over 800 written questions have been well appreciated by Members and we look forward to Brazil's replies to the additional questions subm itted today, no later than one month after this 
meeting.  
6.2.  Overall, as mentioned by the discussant, Members recognized Brazil's overall development 
potential and economic performance, as well as its achievements during the period under review.  Brazil was commended for having weathered the global economic crisis well, largely due to sound 
macroeconomic policies. Members also noted that  GDP growth averaged 3.6% over the 2007-2012 
period, driven by strong domestic demand and favo urable conditions for Brazilian exports. Brazil 
was congratulated for the progress made in further diversification of its trade. Members also 
strongly welcomed the improvements made in social indicators, including poverty alleviation, and 
reduction in income inequality and unemployment du ring the period under review. However, it was 
also noted that GDP growth decelerated since mid-2011, partly triggered by the appreciation of the real and the global economic slowdown, but also reflecting structural shortcomings that affect 
Brazil's competitiveness. These include inadequate infrastructure, insufficient access to credit, 
labour market rigidities, and a complex tax system. Members expressed their hope that Brazil would address these challenges without resorting to trade restrictive policies, in particular given 
the large size of the Brazilian economy and its impa ct on world trade. Members also observed that 
competitiveness could be enhanced by improving the business environment.    
6.3.  Members welcomed Brazil's active participation in the multilateral trading system and in the 
Doha Development Agenda, including in agriculture, as a coordinator of the G-20, and in 
development-related issues. Brazil was commended fo r its strong commitment to the finalisation of 
the DDA, for its engagement in South-South cooperation and for its initiatives in support of LDCs. Brazil was also encouraged to assume additional responsibilities in the WTO commensurate with its 
prominent position in the global economy. In this  respect, some Members invited Brazil to accede 
to the GPA, to join the negotiations to expand the coverage of the Information Technology Agreement, and to ratify the Fifth Protocol to the GATS.  
6.4.  It was noted that in order to address the loss of competitiveness, especially in the 
manufacturing sector, Brazil has expanded credit programmes and adopted a number of 
measures, including under the Plano Brasil Maior. However, some of the measures taken, such as 
temporarily increasing tariffs, using preferential margins for goods and services in government 
procurement, and applying criteria to favour do mestic production when granting incentives or 
credits, might have a restrictive impact on trade. In general, Members prompted Brazil to refrain from the use of this kind of measures and to make trade policy implementation more transparent 
and predictable. 
6.5.  Members also noted that Brazil has stepped up the use of contingency measures, in particular 
antidumping, and urged the Brazilian authorities to  ensure accurate and fair application of such 
measures, as well as exercise restraint in the re course to them as they may stifle trade.    
6.6.  The main – although admittedly non-exhaus tive – areas for possible improvement brought up 
by Members during the review include the following and let me stress here th at we have also taken 
due note of the comments provided by Ambassador Paulo Estivallet de Mesquita today, as well as 
Monday, which address many of these points:  
 Tariffs:  Beyond encouraging a closing of the substantial gap between bound and applied 
 rates, Members expressed concern with respect to the tariff increase on 100 tariff lines in 
 October 2012 and the possibility that a furt her increase on another 100 lines could take 
 place in 2013. Some Members enquired about the possible effect of these increases on WT/TPR/M/283 • Brazil 
 
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   Brazil's prices and competitiveness as well as on the level of imports. Brazil replied that 
 technical studies were conducted to analyse the desirability of any tariff changes. 
 Other charges affecting imports:  It was noted that the level and complexity of Brazil's 
 tax system has a considerable impact on the pr ice of imported goods. Questions were raised 
 on Brazil's plans to simplify internal taxation, on national treatment of some tax reductions 
 or suspensions, and on plans to harmonize stat e value-added tax rates. Brazil answered that 
 there are plans to simplify the taxation syst em, beyond improvements already made, but it 
 is an effort for the long haul and that there is no discrimination in the application of tax 
 reductions or suspensions. 
 Customs and Import licensing:  While noting improvements made in customs and trade 
 facilitation, Members enquired about the increased costs related to customs clearance during 
 the period of review. Brazil was also requeste d to provide an explanation for the wide use of 
 non-automatic import licensing, as well as information with respect to licensing procedures,  the agencies involved, and the conditions attached to licensing. Brazil replied that the list of 
 items subject to licensing was publicly available and that licensing was used mostly for 
 health, safety and environmental reasons, or for products subject to tariff quotas (TRQs) or  trade remedy measures. 
 Incentives schemes and credit programmes:  Members raised numerous questions with 
 respect to the different incentives programme s available, in particular the conditions 
 attached, such as local content and/or production process criteria. Concerns were raised  with respect to some sector-specific schemes, such as in automotives, telecommunications, 
 chemicals, and oil and gas sectors. Members al so raised questions with respect to the scope, 
 benefits and trade effects of different export incentive programmes. Similarly, the  conditions to benefit from some credit and guarantee programmes, especially those 
 managed by the BNDES, were the subject of  a large number of questions, including the 
 criteria for local content and production process conditions, the use of non-automatic  procedures in the allocation of credits, an d the determination of interest rates. Some 
 Members enquired about the WTO consistency of parts of these programmes. In its replies, 
 Brazil stated that it does not consider that there are any local content conditions and that  the application of its incentive programmes is not discriminatory. With regard to credit  programmes, Brazil replied that it considers that nothing in the WTO Agreements should be 
 read as prohibiting a Member to establish conditions on production or on technology. 
 Government procurement:  While improvements have been made, especially with regard 
 to transparency and risk management, some Members expressed concern with the recent 
 introduction of domestic preferences in the government procurement process, and enquired 
 about the reasons why the requirement to use tendering procedures is frequently waived.  Brazil responded that the introduction of preference margins does not intend to be 
 discriminatory or trade restrictive, but to promote job and income generation in the sectors 
 selected. 
 Intellectual property:  A number of Members posed several questions with respect to other 
 IPR issues, including geographical indications, copyright protection, patents, compulsory 
 licensing and enforcement. Questions were asked in particular with respect to procedures for 
 patent applications for pharmaceutical products and the agencies involved. In particular,  concerns were expressed regarding prior cons ent requirements by the health and sanitary 
 agency ANVISA. In response, Brazil noted that ANVISA's examination focuses on the three 
 patentability criteria provided for in the TRIPS Agreement. 
 Agriculture:  Members noted that Brazil's average protection for the sector was low, 
 however, they noted the possible trade-distorting effect of some measures such as the 
 policy of guaranteed minimum prices, and queried about the insufficient availability of  private credit to the sector. Brazil replied that it considers its agricultural regime open, with  limited levels of protection. On rural credit, Brazil noted that there are no barriers for its 
 provision by private banks, but rather  a lack of interest on their part. 
 Investment and services:  Members remarked that the different services sectors were 
 relatively open to foreign investment, providing the same legal treatment for foreign and WT/TPR/M/283 • Brazil 
 
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   local capital and no restrictions on remittances. They also commended Brazil for the 
 liberalization that had taken place in some sectors. Brazil was encouraged to reflect this in  its WTO commitments and to pursue further liberalization. Some Members enquired about  certain aspects of the new reinsurance regulations, which seem to restrict market access. 
 Questions were also raised with respect to the application of certain charges on maritime 
 import freight. In the area of telecommuni cations, some Members questioned the use of 
 local content provisions in the auction bids of radio waves. Brazil replied that the radio 
 spectrum is a public resource, and its auctions take into account economic and social 
 development considerations. 
6.7.  In conclusion, Members generally commended Brazil for its economic resilience to the recent 
global economic crisis, while recommending that it undertake further structural reforms and 
maintain an open trade and investment regime to secure sustainable growth. Members welcomed 
Brazil's achievements in the social sphere, and encouraged it to improve its competitiveness and business environment to lock in those achievements . In particular, Members invited Brazil to avoid 
resorting to trade restricting or distorting measures to promote domestic production, as these 
measures would not result in long-term growth and may impede taking full advantage of Brazil's participation in the global economy.   
6.8.  The numerous questions posed and the particip ation of a large number of delegations in this 
meeting reflect the Members' substantive interest in Brazil's trade and investment policies and practices. Similarly, many Members underlined Brazil's leadership role in the WTO and encouraged it to shape its trade policies and assume further responsibilities in line with its position in the 
global economy. In closing, I would like to thank the Brazilian delegation, all the other delegations, 
the discussant and the Secretariat for this successful review. 
__________