The U.S. Trade Representative concluded a Section 301 investigation, proposing 25% tariffs on most Brazilian imports while exempting coffee, beef, and aircraft.
2:02 PM
The Office of the United States Trade Representative has proposed 25% tariffs on Brazilian goods under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974, determining that Brazil had engaged in practices that "are unreasonable and burden or restrict U.S. commerce."
U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said the investigation, launched at President Donald Trump's direction in July 2025, identified concerns related to digital trade and electronic payment services, unfair preferential tariffs, anti-corruption enforcement, intellectual property protection, ethanol market access, and illegal deforestation.
The proposed tariffs would apply broadly to Brazilian merchandise, though the USTR included a 73-page list of exempted products. Items excluded from the tariff include coffee, fresh and frozen beef, civil aircraft and aircraft parts, and various spices and tea.
Greer said in a statement that Trump and he "have had several constructive meetings" with Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, but the two sides "continue to have substantial differences in the resolution of the issues identified in this investigation."
The USTR will open a public comment period, with a hearing scheduled for June 6. A final decision on whether to implement the tariffs rests with President Trump, with a legal deadline of July 15 for determining and potentially applying corrective measures. Greer said he intends to continue contact with the Brazilian government until that date.
The Brazilian government characterized the proposal as "absurd" and without foundation, according to reports. The tariff proposal comes after the United States designated two Brazilian criminal organizations as terrorist entities.
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