Brazil has denounced new US tariffs on its goods as “arbitrary and completely unjustified” after Washington imposed the duties citing unfair trade practices. Citing an official statement from the Brazilian government, Reuters reported the response on Friday (July 24).
The Brazilian government made it clear that in response to the US action, it will immediately initiate retaliatory measures under its domestic Reciprocity Law. Furthermore, Brasilia confirmed it will officially take the issue to the World Trade Organization’s (WTO) dispute settlement body.
The new tariffs imposed by the US on several countries—justified by Washington over alleged laxity in enforcing forced-labor bans—are scheduled to take effect from Friday.
The escalation follows the Trump administration’s recent imposition of a separate 25% tariff on a range of Brazilian products. Targeting South America’s largest economy, the US trade decision has sparked significant instability in bilateral trade relations.
Despite criticizing the US tariff policy, Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva indicated that the door for diplomacy remains open, stating:
“I am open to discussions and negotiations with the United States. However, if Brazil faces barriers to selling its products in the US market, we will not sit idle—we will seek alternative international markets.”
