Trump launches investigation into Brazil’s “unfair” trade practices

The Trump administration said it has investigated Brazil’s “unfair” trade practices.

It will include the policy of the Brazilian government “related to digital trade and electronic payment services; unfair, preferential tariffs; anti-corruption interference” from U.S. Trade Representative explain.

The investigation is intended to determine that they are “unreasonable, discriminatory, burden or restrictive of U.S. business.”

Last week, U.S. President Donald Trump urged Brazilian authorities to end the prosecution of former President Jair Bolsonaro, accusing them of “witch hunting.”

U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said the investigation was launched in Trump’s direction, “attacks on Brazil’s U.S. social media companies and other unfair trade practices that harm U.S. companies, workers, farmers and technology innovators.”

“I have determined that Brazil’s tariff and non-tariff barriers deserve a thorough investigation and have the potential to take responsive action,” he said.

Greer accused Brazil of adverse U.S. exports by offering lower tariffs to other trading partners.

Investigators will examine Brazil’s alleged punishment of U.S. companies involved in digital trade and services to review political speeches.

The office also claimed that the lack of sufficient intellectual property enforcement has hurt American workers, “their livelihoods are related to the innovation and creativity-driven sectors in the United States.”

Trump threatens to investigate first In a letter to Brazilian President Luis Inasio Lula da Silva last week.

In the same letter, the U.S. president began announcing 50% tariffs on Brazil starting on August 1. Lula responded that Brazil would match any increase in tariffs.

Last year, trade between the two countries was worth $90 billion (£67.2 billion).

Washington reported a trade surplus with Brazil in 2024 was $7.4 billion, up 33% the previous year.