The UAE has been removed from Brazil’s list of jurisdictions with preferential tax regimes, following technical coordination and alignment on tax transparency and investment standards, Wam reports. The Finance Ministry called the move a springboard for expanding trade, investment, and strategic cooperation with Latin America’s largest economy. Bilateral trade topped USD 4.3 bn in 2024, with the UAE ranked as Brazil’s top Arab export destination.

REFRESHER- The UAE is overhauling its tax landscape to meet global standards: Recent reforms included allowing unincorporated partnerships to opt into corporate tax treatment and expanding exemptions to foreign entities fully owned by exempt persons.

US, UAE eye bilateral trade agreement amid metals tariff: The US and UAE are preparing to launch talks on a potential bilateral trade agreement that could ease tariffs on Emirati steel and aluminium exports, Reuters reports, citing sources familiar with the matter. The discussions took place during US President Donald Trump’s visit to Abu Dhabi last month, as Emirati officials sought relief from mounting trade pressures, including a 25% tariff on aluminium and steel that the Trump administration now plans to double to 50%. The UAE was the second-largest exporter of steel and aluminium to the US in 2024, supplying 8% of total US consumption.

What to expect: While a full-fledged freetrade agreement appears unlikely at this stage, sources said Washington is open to a limited pact that could still be framed as a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (Cepa) — the UAE’s preferred format. UAE officials stressed their ability to move quickly on trade negotiations.

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