Full Breakdown
Trump Administration Proposes 25% Tariffs on Brazilian Imports
6/2/2026, 8:00:50 AM
New Section 301 Tariffs Target Brazil
On June 1, the USTR proposed a 25 % tariff on a wide range of Brazilian imports, targeting practices the agency says are unreasonable and burden or restrict U.S. commerce, including digital-payment services, preferential tariff schemes, IP protection, ethanol market access and illegal deforestation.
Background: From 50% Duties to Section 301
In July 2025, President Donald Trump imposed a 50 % tariff on many Brazilian products, partly in response to the prosecution of former President Jair Bolsonaro. The U.S. Supreme Court invalidated those duties in February 2026, limiting the United States to a 10 % global tariff on Brazilian exports. The current 25 % proposal revives pressure through Section 301, a statute previously used for extensive tariffs on China.
Official Statements
The USTR said Brazil’s practices violate Section 301, describing them as unreasonable and burdensome to U.S. commerce. USTR senior official Jamieson Greer, who leads the Section 301 probe launched under former President Donald Trump, said the investigation reflects longstanding U.S. concerns about Brazil’s trade policies. He noted that despite several constructive meetings with Brazil’s President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, the two sides continue to have substantial differences over the issues identified.
Scope and Exemptions
The 25 % tariff covers electronic-payment services, preferential tariff regimes, IP protection and ethanol market access. Exemptions include beef, coffee, rare-earth elements, other metals, aircraft and parts, fruits, nuts, crude oil, petroleum, pharmaceuticals, organic chemicals and fertilizers. Separate duties at 50 % on steel, aluminum and copper, and 25 % on motor vehicles and auto parts.
Opposition from Brazil
Brazilian officials have signaled that they differ substantially with the USTR’s findings, warning the tariffs could heighten trade tensions and raise costs for U.S. importers dependent on Brazilian commodities.
Conflicting Accounts
Reuters says the 25 % tariff would partially replace a 50 % duty, adding a 40 % penalty linked to Bolsonaro’s prosecution; CNBC notes 50 % duties were nullified, leaving only a 10 % global tariff. No Brazilian response is cited.
Verbatim Quotes
- “longstanding and pervasive U.S. concerns with certain of Brazil's trade policies and practices.” — Jamieson Greer, USTR
- “are unreasonable and burden or restrict U.S. commerce, are thus actionable under Section 301(b) of the Trade Act,” — USTR
- “While Trump has had "several constructive meetings" with Brazilian counterpart Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, the two sides continue to have substantial differences in resolving the issues identified in this investigation, Greer said.” — Jamieson Greer, USTR
Next Steps
The USTR will accept public comments through July 1, hold a hearing on July 6, and must issue a final “responsive action” by July 15.
