Rousseff, Obama seek to revive Brazil-US relations

Significance

The trip is one of several for Rousseff, who is looking to accelerate ongoing trade talks with the United States and the EU in order to provide a much-needed boost to the struggling Brazilian economy. Although trade will be the main topic of conversation, Rousseff and US President Barack Obama will mark the restart of high-level political dialogue on strategic issues such as climate change and defence ties.

Impacts

• The warm welcome planned by the White House will mark a symbolic break from the cold relations prevailing since the NSA scandal.
• Despite recent progress on a trade facilitation agreement, Brasilia's reluctance to give up import tax income will present obstacles.
• Dialogue on technical issues will gain momentum, including exchange of technology, military information and travel visas.