Brazil has opened consultations on potential countermeasures against the United States following Washington's imposition of 25% tariffs on a range of Brazilian exports. The Brazilian government issued a statement on Thursday labeling the new tariffs “absurd and arbitrary,” affirming it will “continue to defend its position in all appropriate forums.”
This marks the initial phase of a reciprocal adjustment process that could lead Brazil to apply retaliatory measures, including tariffs, on imports from the US. This first stage involves deeper diplomatic consultations with US trade authorities.
In July, the US imposed an additional 25% tariff on certain Brazilian imports, including sugar, clothing, paper, and steel, citing fair trade violations. The US also applied a supplementary 12.5% tariff on Brazil and several other countries over allegations of lax enforcement of rules against forced labor.
While no final decision has been made, Brazil's response options could include imposing tariffs or fees, eliminating exemptions or reducing import duties, or even restricting imports of US goods and services. A source told Reuters that further measures could extend beyond tariffs, such as suspending pharmaceutical and agricultural patent protections.
The US currently runs a trade surplus with Brazil, meaning it sells more goods and services to Brazil than it imports. According to US Census Bureau data, in 2026 the US exported $26.5 billion to Brazil and imported $17 billion.
Multiple Rounds of Tariffs
Under President Donald Trump, the US has repeatedly sought to impose broad tariffs on imports, citing trade deficits with countries worldwide.
In April 2025, the White House announced minimum tariffs of 10% on nearly all nations, which Trump and his team dubbed “Liberation Day” tariffs. Those tariffs were struck down by US courts this year, but the latest round is widely seen as a replacement for the failed “Liberation Day” tariffs, designed to withstand legal challenges in US courts.
