Gerdau S.A. (GGBR4.SA)

Brazilian firms tout U.S. plants, leaning into Trump trade wars

Two of Brazil's biggest industrial firms, steelmaker Gerdau and plastics producer Braskem, are already touting their substantial U.S. operations as a hedge against the risk of protectionism from President-elect Donald Trump. Trump has floated the idea of a 10% or higher tariff on all goods imported into the United States, a move he says would eliminate the trade deficit, while threatening a 200% tariff on some imported cars, particularly from Mexico. On calls with investors this week, Gerdau and Braskem were quick to point out that a large chunk of their businesses are located in the United States, positioning them to actually boost profits if those policies take effect.