The Brazilian government formalized, this Monday (27), a request for consultations at the World Trade Organization (OMC/WTO) to question tariffs applied by the United States. The measure aims to challenge the legality of surcharges that directly impact trade between the two countries, under the argument that the tariffs are incompatible with the rules of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT 1994).
The dispute involves two distinct tariff fronts based on U.S. trade legislation. The first imposes an additional 25% on Brazilian products following an investigation that addressed issues such as digital trade, intellectual property, combating deforestation, and access to the ethanol market. The second measure establishes a 12.5% tariff after a joint analysis with 60 other economies regarding import restrictions linked to the use of forced labor.
According to the Ministry of Development, Industry, Commerce and Services (MDIC), the financial impact is significant. The accumulated surcharge of 37.5% affects about $6.6 billion in goods exported to the American market, which represents 16.5% of total Brazilian exports to the United States.
Among the sectors and products most affected by the U.S. decision are machinery and equipment, apparel, furniture, footwear, as well as different types of wood, fats, and oils. The scope of the measure compromises a vast range of items on the national export agenda.
The request for consultations submitted by Itamaraty marks the initial stage of the WTO's dispute settlement system. The objective of this procedure is to allow the countries involved to seek a negotiated solution to the conflict before the case is referred for the formation of a technical analysis panel.
The Brazilian initiative seeks to ensure compliance with multilateral trade obligations and guarantee that the protectionist measures adopted by the United States do not violate the principles established in international trade rules.
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