Brazil's acting Finance Minister Durigan said a proposed U.S. import tariff of 25% [1] was disproportionate and unfair on Wednesday.
The move threatens to destabilize trade relations between the two largest economies in the Americas, potentially increasing costs for consumers and producers in both nations.
Durigan said the Brazilian government will react strategically to the measure. The response follows a proposal from the Office of the United States Trade Representative to implement the additional surcharge on goods coming from Brazil [3].
While some reports indicate the tariffs have already been announced, other government sources suggest the measure remains a proposal. Durigan said the government is currently evaluating the potential impact of the eventual tariff [2].
Brazilian officials have argued that such a surcharge would ultimately harm North American interests by raising prices for U.S. buyers [3]. The ministry is now analyzing which sectors of the Brazilian economy would be most affected by the 25% [1] increase.
Durigan said Brazil intends to protect its economy through calculated responses. The government has not yet specified whether those reactions will include retaliatory tariffs, or diplomatic appeals to trade organizations [3].
“The proposed 25% additional tariff is disproportionate and unfair.”
This escalation suggests a shift toward protectionism in U.S. trade policy toward Latin America. If Brazil implements retaliatory measures, it could trigger a trade war that disrupts global supply chains for agricultural and industrial commodities, affecting inflation rates in both countries.
