The Trump administration proposes 25% tariffs on imports from Brazil, according to multiple outlets, citing what it describes as “unreasonable” trade practices that “burden or restrict” U.S. commerce. The move follows a U.S. investigation led by the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative, which accuses Brazil of issues including lax anti-corruption enforcement and alleged unfair tariffs of its own.
The proposal comes despite the United States running a goods trade surplus with Brazil for years, an element noted by several reports. U.S. officials say they have held “constructive” meetings with Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and other officials. Reuters and other outlets’ phrasing is not included here; however, the reported U.S. position is that the tariffs are meant to address specific trade-related concerns.
Brazil’s president responds with criticism, with Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva saying he received the decision “with indignation.” One report also says Lula links the proposal to Brazilian domestic politics, blaming the decision on his October election rival, Sen. Flávio Bolsonaro, who reportedly visited Washington last week.
