Brazil Gears Up to Dispute U.S. 50 Percent Tariffs at WTO
(MENAFN) Brazil is gearing up to officially dispute the recently announced U.S. tariffs at the World Trade Organization (WTO), while maintaining a willingness to negotiate, government officials revealed Monday.
This decision follows U.S. President Donald Trump’s declaration of a 50 percent tariff on several Brazilian exports — including coffee, beef, and petrochemicals — scheduled to take effect this Wednesday. These tariffs impact approximately 35 percent of Brazil’s exports to the U.S., though crucial sectors such as energy products and certain minerals were excluded from the measures.
Brazil’s Chamber of Foreign Trade approved initiating formal consultations with the WTO on Monday, marking the first step in the organization’s dispute resolution process. The chamber’s council of ministers forwarded this proposal to President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, who will decide “how and when” to lodge the formal complaint.
Vice President Geraldo Alckmin stated that Brazil is actively working to mitigate the tariff’s effects and has already held meetings with agribusiness leaders to align response strategies. The government plans to continue dialogue with all impacted industries.
Finance Minister Fernando Haddad emphasized Brazil’s openness to conversation but underscored the need for equitable relations.
"We won't engage with the U.S. as a colony or satellite -- we're a sovereign nation," Haddad told media in an interview.
He described the tariff increase as "excessive" and "unreasonable," yet expressed optimism about fostering a constructive bilateral agenda, particularly around critical minerals, technology, and data infrastructure.
"Brazil holds valuable reserves of rare earths and critical minerals -- resources the U.S. lacks," he noted. "We're willing to cooperate on efficient battery production and other strategic technologies."
To counterbalance the tariff’s economic blow, Haddad announced the government will soon introduce a relief package aimed at supporting domestic businesses, including credit provisions. While acknowledging the potential strain on public finances, he assured that the plan would comply with current budgetary frameworks.
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