Bolivian President Luis Arce addressing a crowd. Photo: Plurinational Legislative Assembly.
Bolivian President Luis Arce questioned the tariffs imposed by the US and explained that steps are being taken to open new markets in the BRICS countries. He added that Bolivia is also in the process of fully joining Mercosur.
“We completely condemn the imposition of tariffs that lack any technical study. It is a political decision that affects many countries. As the government, we have opened new markets in the BRICS countries, and we are in the process of fully joining Mercosur,” Arce emphasized during a press conference on Monday, April 7.
ADVIERTE RECESIĂ“N: Pdte. Luis Arce rechazĂł alza general de aranceles dispuesto por gobierno EE.UU. y advirtiĂł que podrĂa generar recesiĂłn mundial: @teleSURtv pic.twitter.com/850w3Guwy2
— Freddy Morales (@FreddyteleSUR) April 7, 2025
The Bolivian president noted that the tariffs imposed by the United States on its main trading partners, such as China and the European Union (EU), as well as South American countries, will cause a contraction in global trade.
“The Bolivian government’s vision is to focus on our region and not on other countries that impose these tariffs, which affect the entire planet. These types of tariffs are likely to have global consequences,” Arce stated.
Colombia Views US Protectionism as an Opportunity for Internationalization
On January 1, Bolivia was admitted as a BRICS partner state and is currently seeking to expand trade relations with member countries.
The tariffs imposed by Trump on April 2 range from a general 10% for countries such as Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, and Brazil, to 20% for the EU and 34% for China.
(Sputnik)
Translation: Orinoco Tribune
OT/JRE/SF
