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U.S. Imposes Tariffs on Brazilian Imports, Citing Unfair Trade Practices
🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia /Economy & Trade

U.S. Imposes Tariffs on Brazilian Imports, Citing Unfair Trade Practices

From Asharq Al-Awsat · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified New plan
  • The United States imposed a 25 percent tariff on various Brazilian imports, effective July 22.
  • The tariffs follow a year-long investigation into Brazil's trade policies, with exclusions for certain goods.
  • Brazil condemned the measures, vowing reciprocal action and calling the tariffs unjustified.

The United States announced new tariffs on a range of Brazilian imports Wednesday, escalating trade tensions between the two nations. The 25 percent tariff, set to take effect on July 22, follows a year-long investigation by the Trump administration into Brazil's trade practices.

There is no justification for unilateral measures against our country.

— President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva's officeIn a statement on X, condemning the U.S. tariffs and vowing reciprocal measures.

While certain products like beef, coffee, and specific aircraft parts will be exempted, along with goods not produced in the U.S., the broad measure targets what Washington deems "unreasonable acts, policies, and practices" by Brazil that unfairly benefit Brazilian producers and restrict U.S. commerce. U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer stated that these practices have harmed U.S. businesses and limited access to a major global export market.

Brazil's 'unreasonable acts, policies, and practices' have hurt US commerce by unfairly benefitting Brazilian producers and 'restricting access to one of the world's top export markets.'

— Jamieson GreerU.S. Trade Representative explaining the justification for the tariffs.

Brazil swiftly condemned the tariffs, with President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva's office issuing a statement on X calling the unilateral measures "unjustified" and promising "reciprocal" actions. Brazil has denied all allegations of unfair trade practices, labeling them "unfounded" and "absurd." U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio criticized Lula's administration, suggesting "ego" had superseded a potential deal beneficial to the Brazilian people.

We remain open to continuing negotiations with Brazil to bring about long-needed changes to the problems identified in this investigation.

— Jamieson GreerU.S. Trade Representative stating the U.S. willingness to negotiate.

This move comes as the Trump administration seeks to rebuild its economic agenda after facing legal setbacks on global tariffs earlier this year. The tariffs are justified under Section 301 of the Trade Act, and the administration has initiated similar probes against other trading partners. U.S. officials pointed to adverse actions concerning digital trade and alleged unfair competition linked to Brazil's state-owned electronic payments system, PIX, among other issues. Washington remains open to negotiations but insists on addressing concerns, including allegations that Brazil gives preferential treatment to partners like Mexico and India.

Lula has put his own ego ahead of making a deal for the welfare of the Brazilian people, and these tariffs are the price for that.

— Marco RubioU.S. Secretary of State commenting on the situation via a post on X.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Asharq Al-Awsat in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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