Why the US is imposing 25% tariffs on specific imports from Brazil and how Lula has responded

Summary

The United States will impose a 25% tariff on select imports from Brazil from 22 July, following an investigation that found the country had engaged in unfair trade practices. According to PTI, the Office of the US Trade Representative ( USTR ) concluded that Brazil had engaged in several practices the US considers unfair or unreasonable. These include concerns over weak anti-corruption enforcement and tariff policies that Washington says disadvantage American businesses. Despite those concerns, the United States has maintained a trade surplus in goods with Brazil for several years. US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said the tariffs are aimed at ensuring fair competition for American workers and businesses. "Extensive negotiations with Brazil over the past year have not resolved these issues, but we remain open to continuing negotiations with Brazil to bring about long-needed changes to the problems identified in this investigation," Greer said. According to PTI, the tariffs are being imposed under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974, which authorises the US government to investigate and respond to foreign trade practices it considers unfair. The move comes months after the US Supreme Court struck down a separate set of tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act ( IEEPA ). According to PTI, the court ruled in February that Trump had exceeded his authority by using the law to impose broad tariffs on several trading partners, including Brazil. Stay updated with the latest Trending , India , World and US news.