Brasília, 26 (Agência Brasil - ABr) - On March 6, the president of the United States, George W. Bush, will announce whether or not the American government will impose restrictions on steel imports, reports Brazil's top trade negotiator, ambassador José Alfredo Graça Lima, explaining that expectations are that the US will in fact put safeguards in place to protect American steelmakers who are politically strong domestically, but weak compared to other steelmakers around the world.

According to Graça Lima, a best scenario for Brazil would be "broad quotas which permit Brazil to continue exporting at present levels," and increasing over the next few years. However, if the decision is detrimental to Brazilian exports, the country reserves the right to take the case to the WTO, said Graça Lima. (AB)