Chilean President comes to Brazil to discuss Bioceanic Route and Commercial Ties

Chilean President Gabriel Boric will make an official visit to Brazil between April 22 and 23, with a priority agenda the discussion about the works of the land route that will connect the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans in South America. The so -called “Bioceanic Route of Capricorn” will cross Brazil, Paraguay and Argentina, connecting ports of the two oceans and boosting regional trade.

The route and the integration project

The initiative will connect the Brazilian ports of Santos (SP), Paranaguá (PR), São Francisco do Sul (SC) and Itajaí (SC) to the Chilean ports of Iquique, Mejillones and Antofagasta, passing through Paraguay and Argentina. The project, coordinated by the Brazilian Ministry of Planning and Budget, is one of Minister Simone Tebet’s priorities within the infrastructure effort for South American integration.

Boric will meet with President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva on April 22 and requested that a bilateral seminar be held to discuss the commercial and tourist impacts of the new route. The infrastructure is expected to be completed by 2026, during the current Brazilian government. For this, there are two essential works: the construction of a bridge between Porto Murtinho (MS) and Carmelo Peralta (Paraguay) and the asphalting of a stretch between Mariscal Estigaribia and Pozo Hondo, both in Paraguay. Both are scheduled for completion in 2025.

In orange, the transoceanic route:

Commercial challenges with the United States

While discussing advances in South American integration, Boric also faces challenges in foreign trade, especially with the United States. Chilean President criticized the commercial barriers imposed by former President Donald Trump, calling them “unilateral” and contrary to the rules of international trade.

Currently, Chile is concerned with the imminent imposition of tariffs on Chilean copper, the country’s main export product. These measures may come into force in the coming months, and the schedule initially planned. During an interview in India, where she fulfills bilateral agenda, Boric emphasized that the Chilean government has already taken steps to mitigate the impacts of these tariffs, promoting a joint effort between public and private sector to deal with challenges and identify new market opportunities.

Free trade agreement and perspectives for the future

To deal with these issues, Chile’s Undersecretary of International Economic Relations, Claudia Sanhueza, announced that the Committee that evaluates the FTA Trade Agreement (FTA) will meet in June. This meeting will make room for negotiations that can minimize the impacts of tariffs and explore business opportunities.

Sanhueza pointed out that with the new rates, the prices of imported goods can change, and Chile can find gaps to benefit their exports to the US. Despite the challenging scenario, the Chilean government seeks to maintain dialogue with Washington. “There is a willingness to dialogue, talk and continue working,” said an economist from the Front Amplio coalition.

Boric’s visit to Brazil reinforces not only bilateral cooperation, but also the importance of regional integration in the face of a challenging global environment. With the new Bioceanic route ongoing and efforts to maintain open markets, Chile bets on strategic partnerships to ensure growth and stability.