US imposes 25% tariff on Brazilian exports, Brazil threatens retaliation

The United States announced on Wednesday that it will impose an additional 25 percent tariff on a range of Brazilian products, with the measure set to take effect on July 22, according to reports from multiple outlets. The decision follows a months-long investigation by the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR), which concluded that Brazil engages in trade practices harmful to American interests, including its electronic payments system Pix, restrictions on ethanol market access, and issues related to illegal deforestation.

"O Governo norte-americano anunciou na quarta-feira que vai impor uma tarifa adicional de 25% sobre vários bens brasileiros a partir de 22 de julho, excluindo produtos como petróleo, gás natural, café, e carne bovina."

DNOTICIAS.PTEstados Unidos impõem taxa adicional de 25% a produtos brasileiros

While some key commodities like oil and coffee were exempted, the tariff covers a broad set of goods. A separate proposal would add a 12.5 percent tariff due to alleged failures in combating forced labor, reported Agência Brasil. The USTR investigation, opened in July 2025 under a 1974 trade law, also cited intellectual property concerns and Brazilian court decisions affecting US technology companies.

Brazilian officials, including representatives from the ministries of development, foreign affairs, and the presidency, met Tuesday with USTR Jamieson Greer for what was the fifth session of a bilateral working group since May. During the meeting, the Brazilian side pushed back forcefully against the pending tariffs.

"Na reunião de hoje, foi reiterado o caráter injusto da aplicação das recomendações já divulgadas, seja a resultante da Seção 301 específica para o Brasil, de sobretaxas de 25%, seja a de 12,5% (acusação ..."

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Brazil's government signaled it would not take the measure sitting down. Diário da Manhã reported that the Lula administration has activated its own Reciprocity Law, potentially allowing for counter-tariffs on US goods. The development adds a new layer of tension to US-Brazil trade relations, with total tariff rates on some Brazilian products potentially reaching 37.5 percent according to SBT News.

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