Brazil is forcefully rejecting Washington’s allegations of unfair trade practices, describing an investigation launched by the US Trade Representative into the matter as an illegitimate use of unilateral US trade law https://t.co/f2R9q7ZyDm ...

The Office of the US Trade Representative opened an investigation into Brazil over its trade practices and whether they are unfairly restricting US exports to the country https://t.co/Nn12O9UT0X ...

Trade Relations & Tariffs - The US president threatened Brazil with a 50% tariff, the steepest tariff threatened against any trading partner this week [1] - The US Trade Representative is directed to investigate unfair digital trade practices, potentially leading to further tariffs [2] - Unlike other trade disputes, the US has a trade surplus with Brazil, meaning there is no deficit to address [2] Political Motivations - The tariffs are explicitly for political reasons, citing Brazil's treatment of Bolsinaro and attacks on free elections and free speech [3] Brazil-China Relations - Beijing is heavily investing in Brazil, seeking to diversify away from the US [4] - Approximately 28% of Brazil's exports, amounting to 94 billion dollars annually, go to China [4] - Only about 12% of Brazil's exports are directed to the US [4]