Brazil has strongly criticised the United States over its decision to impose a 25 per cent tariff on selected Brazilian exports, describing the move as unjustified.
In a statement released on Thursday, the office of President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva rejected the allegations of unfair trade practices and expressed the government’s opposition to the new trade measure.
The tariff announcement followed a year-long investigation by U.S. authorities into Brazil’s trade policies and is scheduled to take effect on July 22.
Despite the new levy, several products will not be affected. Exemptions include key Brazilian exports such as beef, coffee and certain aircraft components, along with other goods that are not produced within the United States.
U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said the action was taken because Washington believes Brazil’s trade practices have limited opportunities for American businesses and workers in the Brazilian market.
The latest development adds to ongoing trade tensions between the two countries and could influence future economic and commercial relations between Brazil and the United States.
