Brazil and the US have major long-standing issues regarding immigration and trade. It is very hard to obtain work permission in Brazil for US citizens, and likewise here for Brazilians. This is called "reciprocity", (principle that favours, benefits, or penalties that are granted by one state to the citizens or legal entities of another, should be returned in kind). Who started it? Not sure... And being in Brazil, you probably are aware of all this.
So in regard to trade between the US and Brazil, things are and have been quite tense. In order for Apple to access that market, and not have huge import taxes, they must create a plant there and make their products there.
Large populations such as China and Brazil can take this kind of stand, because they know they can. The US does the same thing, and in fact we most likely invented that attitude here.
So why does Apple even bother with Brazil?
Brazil has the fastest growing affluent population in our hemisphere, & is the 5th most populated country in the World, everyone there wants Apple products, - so Apple had to make a deal to access that market. As far as security goes? You won't find plants there creating new products..., only products that have been out for a while and torn apart by technicians already...
I sincerely hope that the price comes down for Brazil, as I have many Brazilian friends who are sick with the high prices there for many things. I think that it has to become reasonable over time. Apple is a very smart company in it's pricing strategies, and I don't think they want to risk looking like they are "gauging" the Brazil population.