United States to impose 25% tariffs on thousands of Brazilian imports from July 22
The United States is set to impose 25% duties on thousands of Brazilian imports, with the measures due to take effect on 22 July. The new tariffs cover a wide range of goods, including sugar, apparel, paper and steel. They were announced as Washington moves ahead with a revised trade strategy under Section 301 of US trade law.
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The announcement was made late on Wednesday by the US trade representative. Section 301 allows the United States to investigate what it considers unfair trade practices and then impose levies in response. The tariffs were proposed last month and are now moving toward implementation, with exemptions for some products including beef, coffee, rare-earth materials, aircraft parts and certain oil and gas products.
The decision comes despite a growing US trade surplus with Brazil, which reached $14.4bn in 2025, up from $7.7bn in 2024. It also follows a year-long investigation that alleged Brazil had engaged in unfair trade practices, including issues linked to digital trade and illegal deforestation efforts. Brazilian officials, including President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, have rejected those allegations and said they were politically motivated.
The move is significant because it adds a new layer of pressure to one of the largest trade relationships in the Americas. It also comes at a time when some US consumer prices have been rising, including beef and coffee, both of which were exempted from the new duties. The exemptions suggest Washington is trying to target a broad set of imports while limiting immediate pressure on some politically sensitive goods.
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The tariffs also reflect the wider political strain around the bilateral relationship. Brazilian officials have linked the dispute to the prosecution of former President Jair Bolsonaro, a close ally of Donald Trump, over his role in an alleged coup attempt. In response to criticism from Lula, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the Brazilian leader had not acted in good faith and accused him of putting his own ego ahead of a deal for the Brazilian people.
More than 30 meetings reportedly took place between officials from the two countries during the negotiations, but the talks did not prevent the tariff decision. What remains unclear is whether further exemptions or changes could be made before the 22 July start date. It is also not yet clear how Brazil will respond, or whether the measures will lead to a wider trade dispute between the two countries.
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