U.S. Imposes 25% Tariff on Brazilian Imports Under Section 301 of Trade Act

The United States has decided to impose a 25% tariff on imports from Brazil, citing unfair trade practices.

In a statement released on July 15 (local time), the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) announced the decision, stating, "An investigation under Section 301 of the Trade Act has confirmed that Brazil's policies are unreasonable and discriminatory against the United States."

The USTR identified issues regarding Brazil's unfair trade practices, including digital commerce, tariffs, intellectual property rights, and market access for ethanol.

The 25% tariff on Brazilian imports will take effect starting July 22.

However, coffee, beef, and certain ethanol products have been excluded from the tariff list.

Brazil has become the first country to be targeted by tariffs under the Trump administration's new trade strategy utilizing Section 301 of the Trade Act.

Section 301 is a provision that allows the U.S. government to investigate a trading partner's unfair trade practices and impose sanctions, such as retaliatory tariffs.

The Trump administration stated that it remains open to further negotiations with Brazil.

However, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio criticized the Brazilian government's approach to negotiations, claiming that President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has prioritized his own pride over the welfare of the Brazilian people.

Brazil has pushed back against the U.S. decision to impose the 25% tariff, stating that "unilateral measures lack legitimacy."

In particular, Brazil announced that it is considering additional countermeasures, including filing a complaint with the World Trade Organization (WTO).

The United States is Brazil's second-largest trading partner.

Last year, Brazil's imports of U.S. products increased by 11% compared to the previous year, while its exports to the U.S. decreased by approximately 7%.

This trade conflict is emerging as a variable in Brazil's upcoming presidential election in October.

The Brazilian government claims that the family of former President Jair Bolsonaro, who is currently under house arrest for charges including plotting a coup, cooperated with the Trump administration to induce the imposition of these tariffs.

(Photo: Getty Images Korea)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.