TRUMP’S NEW TARIFF POLICY: GLOBAL IMPACTS AND TAX IMPLICATIONS

Donald Trump’s return to the presidency of the United States in January 2025 was marked by significant changes in American trade and tax policies. Continuing its protectionist approach, the Trump administration has implemented a series of sweeping tariff measures that have profoundly impacted global trade. 

TRADEMARK REGISTRATION IN THE USA: EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW TO PROTECT YOUR BRAND IN THE AMERICAN MARKET

Expanding your company to the United States can be a fundamental step towards the global growth of your business. But before you start selling or providing services in the country, it’s essential to ensure your brand is protected. In this article, you will understand what trademark registration in the USA is, why it is important, how the process with the USPTO works and how Drummond Advisors can help you on this journey.

ESTIMATED TAX FOR INDIVIDUALS  

Estimated tax is a form of tax prepayment levied on income that does not have tax withheld at source. This is the case, for example, for self-employed professionals, independent contractors, investors, rental property owners, among others.

TRUMP ADMINISTRATION UPDATES: U.S. AND BRITAIN HAIL BENEFITS OF TRADE AGREEMENT

Britain trade deal: President Trump said Britain had agreed to increase market access for billions of dollars in American exports, including beef, ethanol and other farm products under a new trade deal — but many of the details are being left to get worked out later. The agreement would pare back tariffs Mr. Trump imposed on British steel, aluminum and automobiles. 

COULD BRAZIL BENEFIT FROM TRUMP'S TARIFF HIKE?

Fears that Brazil would be one of the main targets of Donald Trump 's government's global tariff hike gave way to some relief after the White House placed the country on the lowest extra import tax (10%).

PROJECT INCREASES ANNUAL REVENUE LIMIT FOR STARTUPS TO R$50 MILLION

Complementary Bill 226/24 allows companies with annual revenues of up to R$50 million to be classified as startups . The Chamber of Deputies is analyzing the proposal, which changes the legal framework for startups and innovative entrepreneurship.

Source: Agência Câmara de Notícias

UNEMPLOYMENT IN BRAZIL HITS LOWEST LEVEL SINCE 2012

The unemployment rate in Brazil rose to 7% in the first quarter of 2025, leaving around 7.7 million people out of the job market. Despite the increase, this is the lowest rate for the period since 2012, as reported by the IBGE.

The Banco Nacional de Desenvolvimento Econômico e Social (BNDES), in collaboration with the Financier of Studies and Projects (Finep), has launched a public call for proposals to attract, establish, and expand Research, Technological Development, and Innovation (R&D&I) Centers in Brazil. This initiative is a key component of the "New Industry Brazil" strategy, a national policy aimed at fostering reindustrialization and technological advancement through six priority missions defined by the National Council for Industrial Development (CNDI).

Objectives

This public call seeks to enhance Brazil’s position as a center for scientific and technological development by promoting collaboration between public institutions, universities, research centers, and private enterprises. The program is designed to:

• Drive research and technological innovation in key industrial sectors
• Strengthen Brazil’s competitiveness in science and technology
• Attract foreign investment in research and development
• Support the development of advanced infrastructure
• Foster the growth of highly skilled professionals in strategic areas

Eligibility

The call is open to:

• Brazilian companies engaged in or planning to undertake R&D&I activities
• Foreign companies interested in establishing or expanding R&D&I centers in Brazil, subject to legal and administrative formalization in the country

Scope of Eligible Projects

The initiative supports the creation and expansion of laboratories, pilot plants, demonstration facilities, and innovation hubs dedicated to research and technological development.

Minimum requirements for participation:

• Physical infrastructure
  • New centers: Minimum area of 500 m²
  • Expansion projects: Minimum area of 250 m² or a 20% increase over existing facilities
• Technical workforce
  • New centers: At least 50 employees, of whom at least 10 must hold a master’s or doctoral degree
  • Expansion projects: At least 25 employees, of whom at least 5 must hold a master’s or doctoral degree
• Investment thresholds
  • Minimum R$10 million for centers in the North and Northeast regions
  • Minimum R$20 million for centers in other regions
• Project implementation period: Up to 36 months

Funding and Strategic Impact

The initiative is supported by a total budget of R$3 billion, reinforcing Brazil’s commitment to technological advancement, industrial competitiveness, and economic development.

Application Process and Selection Criteria

• Deadline for proposal submission: June 30, 2025
• Evaluation criteria:
  • Alignment with the objectives of the public call
  • Financial capacity in relation to the proposed investments
  • Contribution to the New Industry Brazil policy and its strategic missions

Further Information

This initiative provides a significant opportunity for institutions seeking to play a leading role in Brazil’s technological and industrial development. By participating, organizations will contribute to the country’s innovation ecosystem and the expansion of its research infrastructure.

Public Call for selection of proposals for attracting, implementing or expanding research, technological development and innovation centers - english version

Public Call for selection of proposals for attracting, implementing or expanding research, technological development and innovation centers - Portuguese version

Us tax planning: strategies for the end of the year

As we approach the end of the year, it’s crucial to consider various US Tax Planning strategies that could impact your tax return in April 2025. From buying a private plane to realizing gains or losses, these actions can help you optimize your tax situation.
READ MORE

Donald Trum's victory: economic impacts in the U.S. and consequences for Brazil

Donald Trump’s victory for a new term as President of the United States brings profound implications for the global economy. Trump’s promises to implement protectionist measures, increase tariffs, and cut taxes, along with an aggressive stance toward trade partners, could have significant effects on both international markets and the Brazilian economy.
READ MORE

USCIS Policy drive growth in stem and extraordinary ability VISA applications

USCIS introduced significant updates to its policy guidance, providing clearer pathways for STEM professionals (People who work in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathmatics) and extraordinary ability individuals to access U.S. immigration benefits.
READ MORE

News from Brazil

Integration of startups from the north and northeast regions of Brazil stimulates local innovation ecosysytems

With the support of the Brazilian Trade and Investment Promotion Agency (ApexBrasil), startups from the North and Northeast regions are gaining prominence at Web Summit Lisboa , one of the largest technology events in the world.
READ MORE

With a focus on the environment and society, Brazil takes 400 startups to Lisbon

Apex, Sebrae and the federal government double the participation of companies in the Web Summit.
READ MORE

Brazil's GDP grows 0.9% in Q3 2024. as expected

Brazil's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) grew 0.9% in the third quarter of 2024 compared to the previous quarter, showing a slowdown compared to the 1.4% growth recorded in the second quarter.
READ MORE

Latin American and Caribbean Countries discuss best practices in Digital Governance

Security mechanisms in the digital environment need to be as fast and creative as cybercriminals, in order to minimize risks to the provision of digital services by governments. Illegal practices that cross borders make partnerships between countries, as well as clearer and more efficient regulations, increasingly necessary.
READ MORE

Petrobras and Bndes form partnership for restoration in the Amazon

An agreement for ecological restoration with job and income generation in the Legal Amazon was signed by the president of Petrobras, Magda Chambriard, and the president of the National Bank for Economic and Social Development (BNDES), Aloizio Mercadante. The protocol of intentions foresees an investment of R$100 million over the next five years, with R$50 million coming from the Amazon Fund.
READ MORE