Brazil has formally requested consultations with the United States through the World Trade Organization over new trade levies imposed by Washington. The Brazilian foreign ministry confirmed the filing on Monday, stating that the economic penalties are unjustified and violate international trade standards.
The move marks the initial phase in launching a formal dispute panel within the framework of the global trade body. Officials in Brasilia maintain that the latest measures applied by the administration of President Donald Trump disrupt fair commerce between the two nations.
Washington introduced two separate sets of import duties on Brazilian goods earlier this month. These measures include a 25 per cent levy on alleged unfair commercial practices, as well as an additional 12.5 per cent duty linked to claims of forced labour.
The diplomatic action comes during an increasingly tense political environment in South America. Left-wing President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has publicly condemned the duties, describing the policy choices from Washington as direct foreign interference in the upcoming national election.
This is not the first time Brasilia has turned to the Geneva-based trade body to challenge American trade policy. A similar appeal occurred in 2025 after Washington placed 50 per cent tariffs on Brazilian goods following legal proceedings against former president Jair Bolsonaro over an attempted coup. Those earlier import duties were subsequently rolled back.
Political tension has intensified further as right-wing Senator Flavio Bolsonaro, the son of the former president, prepares to challenge Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva in the presidential vote scheduled for October.
President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has accused his political rival of encouraging American officials to maintain trade pressure for domestic electoral advantage. Senator Flavio Bolsonaro has repeatedly denied those claims, maintaining that he advised American representatives against actions that could harm the domestic economy.
Diplomatic relations have cooled further in recent days. Brazilian authorities recently refused entry visas for two officials from the United States who had requested meetings with local electoral authorities ahead of the autumn vote.
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