Posted on 04 Apr 2025
Brazil’s Chamber of Deputies approved on Wednesday a bill allowing retaliatory measures against countries that impose trade barriers, coinciding with US President Donald Trump's announcement of a 10% tariff on Brazilian products.
The text, which was fast-tracked following Trump's return to the White House, had already been approved by the Senate and now moves to President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva for final approval, Kallanish notes. Previously, Brazilian legislation aligned with World Trade Organisation (WTO) principles, preventing the country from imposing tariffs on specific nations to ensure equal treatment among WTO members.
“The newly approved law authorises Brazil to increase import taxes on goods and services from countries or economic blocs that unilaterally harm Brazilian competitiveness. It also allows the suspension of trade or investment concessions, including those related to intellectual property rights,” states the text approved by the lower house.
The legislation provides for diplomatic consultations to mitigate or reverse such trade measures, an approach Lula’s administration is already pursuing in discussions with the Trump administration. The Brazilian government has stated that it is considering “all possible measures” to respond with reciprocity to the newly imposed US tariffs.
In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MRE) criticised Trump’s decision, calling it a violation of US commitments to the WTO. Brazil is evaluating the possibility of filing a formal complaint with the global trade body.
“The government, in consultation with the private sector, will seek to defend the interests of national producers,” the MRE affirms.
Source:Kallanish
