Brazil Starts Implementing Response to US Tariffs
The Brazilian government has opened a process that could result in reciprocal measures against the United States, in response to tariffs recently imposed by Washington on Brazilian goods.
The government announced Thursday that the preliminary step is to ask for further diplomatic talks with US trade authorities, amid worsening relations between the two countries.
Brazil called the US tariffs “unjustified and arbitrary” and said it would continue to defend its position thru all appropriate channels.
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The United States imposed tariffs of 25 per cent on some Brazilian goods in July, citing alleged unfair trade practices. It also slapped 12.5 per cent tariffs on goods from a number of countries including Brazil, over allegations of lax enforcement of restrictions on forced labor.
Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva earlier had promised to take steps needed to invoke the country’s Reciprocity Law that allows for retaliatory measures beyond tariffs on US imports.
Brazilian officials have warned the measures could disrupt supply chains and fuel domestic inflation.
The government is said to be looking at options ranging from curbs on U.S. audiovisual firms to suspension of pharmaceutical and agricultural patents.
