Fausto Varela, president of the Sindifer Pig Iron Producers Association, believes that the Brazilian product will be included in the list of exceptions to the 37.5 percent import tariff that the US Trade Representative (USTR) plans to introduce in accordance with Section 301.
The local press quoted him as saying that the introduction of a higher tariff seems inevitable, despite recent statements by Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva that higher tariffs will not be introduced.
Analysts have questioned Lula da Silva's statement, arguing about whether he had confidential information or was just expressing wishful thinking.
More than 83 percent of Brazil's pig iron exports go to the United States, while Brazil accounts for 60 percent of U.
S. pig iron imports.
USTR is expected to announce its final decision today, July 15.
