Brazil seeks WTO consultation over US tariffs

Brazil seeks WTO consultation over US tariffsSign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inboxBrazil said it considers the US tariffs “unjustified and incompatible” with international trade rules. PHOTO: REUTERSPublished Jul 28, 2026, 12:49 PMUpdated Jul 28, 2026, 12:49 PMSet as preferred sourceSummariseBrazil requested WTO consultation on July 27 against US tariffs on its products, calling the measures unjustified and against trade rules.The US imposed tariffs of 25 per cent for alleged unfair trade and 12.

5 per cent for forced labour claims, seen as election interference by Brazil's Lula.Tensions include visa denials for US officials and political rivalry, with Lula accusing Bolsonaro's son of encouraging US pressure for election gain.AI generatedSAO PAULO – Brazil filed a request on July 27 seeking a World Trade Organization (WTO) consultation over tariffs imposed on several products by the United States, the foreign ministry said.

President Donald Trump’s government has imposed two rounds of tariffs on Brazil in July, which left-wing president and candidate for re-election Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has denounced as election interference.“Brazil submitted, on July 27, a request for consultations with the United States within the framework of the WTO dispute settlement system,” the ministry said in a statement, noting Brazil considers the US measures “unjustified and incompatible” with international trade rules.In July, the United States put in place new tariffs on several Brazilian products, charging 25 per cent for alleged unfair trade practices and 12.

5 per cent for alleged use of forced labour.A request for consultation with another country is a preliminary step in opening a panel on the case in the WTO framework.Brazil took the same step in 2025, when Washington imposed 50 per cent tariffs in retaliation for the coup-related trial that sent former president Jair Bolsonaro to prison.

Now Bolsonaro’s son, right-wing candidate Flavio Bolsonaro, is running against Lula in the October election.That first round of tariffs was largely reversed later on.Lula has accused Flavio Bolsonaro, a staunch ally of Trump, of encouraging US tariff pressure to gain an advantage at the ballot box – which Bolsonaro denies.

Brazil denied visas for two US officials who sought to meet with Brazilian election authorities ahead of the tense presidential vote, a diplomatic source told AFP on July 25. AFPMore on this topicUS aimed to send envoys to Brazil to question its electoral system, sources sayFlavio Bolsonaro launches Brazil presidential campaign, touts support from Milei, NetanyahuSee more onUnited StatesBrazilWorld Trade OrganisationTariffsTrade