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Brazil raised tariffs on 100 sectors last October to defend is declining industrial base, with fees of up to 25pc on machinery, iron and steel, plastics, chemicals, paper and wood products. It is now pursuing a full-blown "industrial policy" under its Plano Brasil Maior, with tax concessions for those who build plant locally.

Trade protectionism could hurt global growth and undermine economic reforms in developing countries, the world's top three economic organisations have warned. The warning came in a letter signed by the leaders of the World Bank, International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Trade Organisation (WTO) and sent to leaders of the world's major industrial nations, who were meeting in Paris.