Fact Check: "The United States has a goods trade surplus with Brazil totaling $7.4 billion in 2024."
What We Know
In 2024, the United States had a goods trade surplus with Brazil amounting to $7.4 billion. This figure represents a 31.9% increase from the previous year, 2023, where the surplus was $5.6 billion. The total goods trade between the two countries was estimated at $92 billion, with U.S. exports to Brazil reaching $49.7 billion and imports from Brazil totaling $42.3 billion (USTR, Reuters).
Analysis
The claim that the U.S. has a goods trade surplus with Brazil of $7.4 billion in 2024 is supported by multiple credible sources, including the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative, which is the official government body responsible for international trade policy (USTR). This data is corroborated by various news outlets, including Reuters and CNBC, which report the same surplus figure and provide context regarding the increase from the previous year (Reuters, CNBC).
The reliability of the sources is high, as they include government data and reputable news organizations known for their fact-checking and journalistic standards. The U.S. Trade Representative's office is a primary source for trade statistics, making it a highly credible reference for this information.
Furthermore, the context provided by the news articles indicates that the surplus has been a point of contention in political discussions, particularly in light of recent tariff announcements by former President Trump, who claimed that the U.S. was facing trade deficits with Brazil (UPI, NBC). However, these claims are directly contradicted by the official trade data, which confirms the surplus.
Conclusion
Verdict: True
The claim that the United States has a goods trade surplus with Brazil totaling $7.4 billion in 2024 is accurate. The data is supported by multiple reliable sources, including the U.S. Trade Representative, and reflects a significant increase from the previous year. The consistency of this information across various reputable outlets further solidifies its validity.
Sources
- Brazil | United States Trade Representative
- Trump hits Brazil with 50% tariff, orders unfair trade ...
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- Trump hits Brazil with 50% tariff, orders unfair trade ... - CNA
- Trump Threatens 50% Brazil Tariff, Citing Bolsonaro Trial
- Calling Bolsonaro Trial a 'Witch Hunt,' Trump Threatens ...