The ‘Ghost Fleet’ and the BRICS Factor: Why Trump’s Tariff Threat Reveals Brazil’s Dangerous Proximity to Iran

Source: infobae | Original Published At: 2026-01-15 14:28:02 UTC

Key Points

• U.S. threatens 25% tariffs on countries trading with Iran, impacting Brazil's $2.9B annual exports (primarily corn, soybeans, and sugar) and urea imports.
• Brazil imported 2M+ tons of Iranian urea via Oman in 2025, circumventing U.S. sanctions, while exporting agricultural goods worth $2.9B.
• Brazil participates in BRICS Plus naval exercises with Iran, Russia, and China, focusing on maritime security and countering unilateralism.
• BRICS cooperation includes reducing dollar dependency, scientific collaboration, and expanding trade, though military ties remain ambiguous.
• U.S.-sanctioned Iranian vessels operate in Brazilian ports, raising concerns about Iran's 'ghost fleet' using Brazil for sanctions evasion.