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Brazil Requests Formal Consultations at WTO Against U.S. Tariffs

Written by space4knews on . Posted in International.

Brazil has formally requested consultations at the World Trade Organization (WTO) to challenge the additional import tariffs imposed on its products by the United States. Brazil’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs claims that the U.S. measures violate international trade rules and are unfair. The United States imposed extra tariffs of 25% and 12.5% on Brazilian goods, citing allegations of unfair trade practices and forced labor.

July 28, Sao Paulo – Brazil has filed a formal request for consultations with the WTO’s dispute settlement body regarding the extra import duties levied by the United States on several Brazilian products. Brazil argues that these U.S. actions contravene international trade regulations and are unjust.

According to a statement released by Brazil’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Monday, the formal consultation request was submitted on July 27 under the WTO’s dispute settlement mechanism to engage with the U.S. The ministry emphasized that these tariffs are inconsistent with international trade rules and lack justification.

The U.S. administration, led by President Donald Trump, implemented these new tariffs in two stages starting earlier this month. The tariffs include a 25% charge based on alleged unfair trade practices and an additional 12.5% tariff related to forced labor claims.

Under WTO procedures, requesting consultations is a prerequisite to establishing a dispute settlement panel. Brazil previously employed a similar process in 2025 when the U.S. had imposed a 50% tariff linked to disputes involving former President Jair Bolsonaro. Most of those tariffs were later withdrawn.

Meanwhile, political tensions are escalating in Brazil ahead of the presidential elections scheduled for October. Former President Bolsonaro’s son and right-wing candidate Flavio Bolsonaro is competing against the current left-wing President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. President Lula has accused Flavio Bolsonaro of encouraging U.S. tariff pressure to gain a political advantage in the election, an allegation Flavio Bolsonaro denies.

Additionally, diplomatic sources report that Brazil has denied visas to two U.S. officials who intended to meet with Brazilian electoral authorities before the upcoming elections.