Protectionism on the rise: how the global increase in tariffs impacts Brazilian importers and exporters.

Global tariff increases: how the protectionist environment affects Brazilian operations.

The most recent report from the World Trade Organization (WTO) on the G20 issued a clear warning: the volume of global trade subject to tariffs increased approximately fourfold between October 2024 and October 2025.

This marks one of the most protectionist environments of the last decade.

Why is this happening?

The WTO attributes this movement to:

• Trade disputes between major powers

• Industrial policy focused on containing imports.

• National security rules impacting supply chains

• Incentives for local production (“reshoring” and “friendshoring”)

In other words: the more geopolitical tension, the more trade barriers arise.

Direct impact on Brazilian companies

1. Importers

• Possible increase in costs for technological products, machinery, and industrial supplies.

• Longer deadlines due to enhanced oversight.

• Need to reallocate routes or suppliers

  
  

2. Exporters

• Greater competitiveness if Brazil positions itself as an alternative supplier.

• Stricter sanitary and technical barriers will require greater compliance.

• Markets in Asia and the Middle East tend to offer opportunities.

  
  

3. What are companies already doing?

Major global shippers are prioritizing:

• Longer logistics contracts , to ensure predictability;

• Multimodality , reducing dependence on a single mode of transport;

• Risk monitoring , especially document and operational traceability;

• Alternative route plans (Plan A, B and C).

  
  

How does Enterprise help in this scenario?

The combination of multimodal solutions , advanced traceability , risk management , and specialized consulting reduces the impact of protectionism, ensuring operational fluidity even during periods of regulatory instability.

Conclusion

The global environment is changing rapidly — tariffs, regulations, and sanitary controls are becoming more stringent. Companies that anticipate this with intelligent logistics planning gain a competitive advantage. Now is the time to strengthen operational alliances and review import and export structures for 2026.

Official sources for this article

WTO – World Trade Organization Report on G20 trade measures (November 2025). (Increase in tariff measures in the period Oct/2024 → Oct/2025.)