The USA’s Friendship With Brazil

The USA's friendship with Brazil: Hands painted with the US and Brazilian flags
The USA was the first nation to recognize Brazil's independence from Portugal. (Image: 88643048 / Brazil © Bravissimos | Dreamstime)

Two of the largest democracies and economies in the Western Hemisphere.

The USA’s friendship With Brazil dates to colonial days. In 1815 the USA was the first country to open a consulate there.

This series was presented by the Consulate-General of Brazil in Chicago and the Brazilian Foreign Ministry’s Cultural Department.

In celebration of Brazil’s Bicentennial year, 1822 – 2022

This week’s Brazilian Minute: The USA’s Friendship With Brazil

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Script from Audio:

The USA’s friendship With Brazil dates to the South American colony’s earliest days. In 1815 the USA was the first country to open a consulate there.

The United States was also the first nation to recognize Brazil’s independence. In World War Two, Brazil sided with the USA as the only South American nation to send troops overseas.

American Presidents Roosevelt, Truman, Eisenhower, Carter, Reagan, both Bush’s, Clinton, and Obama have made official visits to Brazil.

Today, the hemisphere’s two greatest democracies and economic powers work together on education, trade and investment, democracy and human rights, and science, technology, and innovation.

Recently, the United States designated Brazil as a major non-NATO ally and Brazil ended tourism visa requirements for North Americans traveling to Brazil.

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The USA's friendship with Brazil. A farming combine works the field with a Brazilian flag overlay.
Brazil’s emergence as one of the world’s most competitive agricultural exporters rivals the United States in some sectors. However, during the last 25 years, Brazilian exports to the United States have increased at a rate of 3.56%. (Image credited to afn.com)

More on: The USA’s Friendship With Brazil

Overview:

The United States of America’s friendship with Brazil is one of our Western Hemisphere’s most vital and long-lasting.

U.S. merchant ships followed regular routes along Brazil’s Atlantic coastline while Brazil was a colony of Portugal. These ships sailed to Recife, Pernambuco, Salvador, Bahia, and Rio de Janeiro.

U.S. recognition of Brazilian independence occurred in 1824. Only 36 years after the USA ratified its own status as an independent nation.

Brazil’s first 200 years as a nation are being celebrated this year. Both Brazil and the United States are two of the Western Hemisphere’s largest democracies and economies.

In this regard, each nation plays the same role in its respective American continent.

Working Together

  • Both Brazilian and the USA actively work together to:
  • Expand economic growth and prosperity.
  • Advance international peace.
  • Promote respect for human rights.
  • Defend democratic principles.

Friendships between nations depend on trust and mutual respect. Today, Brazil and the USA enjoy a state of Strategic Dialogue. This designation considers the importance of regional and international partnerships while respecting the sovereignty of national priorities.

How does this work? Let’s explore some interesting facts:

Economic Relations

  • Brazil ranks 12th among the world’s largest economies. The United States is Brazil’s second-largest trading partner.
  • The United States is Brazil’s second-largest export market. 
  • Both countries work together on trade, regulatory practices, and standards.
  • In 2021, trade relations between Brazil and the USA reached a historic level of US$ 49.6 billion. This is the highest in 25 years.

Climate Engagement

  • Brazil and the United States regularly hold discussions related to climate action, including net-zero strategies, the use of natural resources, and deforestation.

Education and Cultural Cooperation

  • Both countries understand the importance of developing cultural connections.  Programs include agriculture, education, and energy. Also, health, science and technology, English language training, and innovation.
  • Impressively, more than 40,000 students, scholars, teachers, and professionals have participated in exchanges between Brazil and the USA.

Defense and Technology

Today, cooperation between Brazil and the United States is more important than ever. Especially on areas of importance for regional and international topics. Areas of cooperation include defense issues, technological research and development, and technology security.

The USA’s Friendship With Brazil: International Organizations

Both Brazil and the United States are members of key international organizations. These include:

  • The United Nations
  • The Organization of American States
  • The Inter-American Development Bank
  • The G-20
  • The International Monetary Fund
  • The World Bank
  • The World Trade Organization.

Brazil maintains its role as a leader in the inter-American community and is a member of both MERCOSUR and PROSUR.

Music, Travel, Friends and Fun! 2022 marks Connect Brazil’s 25th year.

The USA’s Friendship With Brazil

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The field of Science and Technology is one of many common-interest areas where the USA’s friendship with Brazil pays dividends for our Western Hemisphere.