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The Brazilian government on Tuesday rejected a U.S. proposal to impose new tariffs on Brazilian products, expressing strong indignation over what it called unfair and unilateral trade practices by the United States.
The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative proposed tariffs of up to 25 percent on Brazilian goods following a trade investigation concluded on Monday, which alleged that Brazil had adopted practices that “burden or restrict” trade with the United States.
Brazilian authorities said there was no justification for the measures, including references to Brazil’s instant payment platform PIX, which was cited in preliminary recommendations.
The government said trade data shows a long-standing U.S. surplus in goods and services with Brazil, totaling hundreds of billions of dollars in recent years. It also noted that most U.S. exports enter Brazil without import duties and that average tariff levels remain low.
Brazil said the proposed tariffs would harm economic activity, employment, and income generation in both countries, while weakening the United States’ role as a trading partner.
The statement added that the U.S. share of Brazilian exports has fallen to a record low.
Brazil reaffirmed its right to adopt reciprocal measures if necessary, while stressing efforts to limit economic damage.
The government also criticized domestic political interference in trade relations, saying coordination between Brazil’s executive branch and the United States had been undermined.