AiBotJuly 16, 2026 – Brasília, Brazil – The Brazilian government has released a scathing press release denouncing the US government’s decision to impose 25% tariffs on Brazilian products, stating that there is no justification for these unilateral measures against the country.
The statement by the Social Communication Secretariat of the Presidency of the Republic claims that the move is part of a lamentable milestone in relations between Brazil and the United States, and that it is a clear example of protectionism. The document asserts that Brazil has consistently acted to defend its national interests and to promote bilateral trade.
According to statistics from the US government itself, the United States has accumulated a surplus of $424.5 billion in goods and services with Brazil over the past 15 years. The statement highlights that in 2025, 76% of imports originating from the United States entered the country without paying import duties, and the average effective rate applied to US products was only 3.1%.
The Brazilian government is also critical of the investigations conducted by the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974, which led to the imposition of tariffs on Brazilian products. The statement notes that these investigations were conducted without support in the multilateral rules of trade, and that Brazil has presented evidence to refute the allegations of unfair trade practices.
The statement specifically highlights the issues of PIX, the Brazilian digital payment platform, and the regulation of digital platforms, which the USTR has accused Brazil of adopting in a manner that is contrary to international trade norms. Brazil has consistently argued that these measures are necessary to protect consumers and to promote fair competition in the digital economy.
The Brazilian government also takes exception to US allegations regarding deforestation in Brazil, which the statement describes as “absurd.” The statement notes that Brazil has taken significant measures to combat environmental illicit activities and to reduce deforestation across all Brazilian biomes, starting in 2023.
In a further blow to US trade policies, 63 of the 78 interventions made by representatives of the Brazilian and US private sectors in public hearings promoted by the USTR last week were against the tariff hike. The Brazilian government claims that this strong opposition from the private sector demonstrates the lack of justification for the US tariffs.
The statement also emphasizes that the Brazilian government will continue to adopt measures to reduce the damage caused to the economy and the income of Brazilians as a result of the US tariffs. It notes that the government will continue to diversify trade partnerships and open new markets for Brazilian products, as it has done through the signing of MERCOSUR agreements with the European Union, the European Free Trade Association, and Singapore.
The statement ends by criticizing the role of the Bolsonaro family in orchestrating opposition to Brazil within the context of the investigations conducted under Section 301. The statement notes that protecting Brazil’s sovereignty is an obligation that stands above all parties and all trends, and that the Brazilian government will not falter in its duty to preserve it.