The Trump administration says it has started an investigation into Brazil’s “unfair” business practices.
In this, the Brazilian government’s policies “are related to digital trade and electronic payment services; unfair, preferred tariff; anti -corruption intervention”, from a statement American trade representative Said.
The investigation tries to determine whether they are “inappropriate or discriminatory or burden or restrict American commerce.”
Last week, US President Donald Trump urged the Brazilian officials to abolish their prosecution of former President of the country Zair Bolsoro, accusing him of “witch hunting”.
American trade representative Jaimison Greer said that under the direction of Trump, “Brazilian attacks on American social media companies as well as other unfair business practices were being investigated in other unfair trade practices that damaged American companies, workers, farmers and technology new ones”.
“I have determined that Brazil’s tariffs and non-tariff obstacles have a thorough examination, and potential, responsible action,” he said.
Greer accused Brazil of damaging American exports by offering less tariffs to other business partners.
Investigators noticed the alleged efforts to punish Brazil to punish the American companies involved in digital trade and not to censor political speech.
The office also accused of lack of adequate enforcement of intellectual property rights, damaging American employees “whose livelihoods are related to America’s innovation and creativity-powered areas.”
Trump had earlier threatened to investigate the Brazilian President, Luiz Enecio Lula da Silva in a letter last week.
In the same letter, the US President announced a 50% tariff on Brazil starting on 1 August. Lula said in response that Brazil will match any increase in tariffs.
Last year, trade between the two countries was $ 90BN (£ 67.2bn).
Washington reported a trade surplus with Brazil of $ 7.4BN in 2024, which increased by 33% percent in the previous year.
