Brazil has asked the World Trade Organization (WTO) to begin consultations with the United States over newly imposed tariffs on several Brazilian products, escalating a trade dispute that has deepened ahead of the country`s presidential election.
The Brazilian foreign ministry said on Monday that it had formally requested consultations under the WTO`s dispute settlement mechanism, arguing that the US tariffs are "unjustified and incompatible" with international trade rules.
The move follows two rounds of tariffs introduced by President Donald Trump`s administration this month.
The United States imposed a 25% tariff on certain Brazilian goods over what it described as unfair trade practices, along with an additional 12.5% tariff linked to allegations of forced labour.
A request for consultations is the first formal step in challenging another country`s trade measures through the WTO and could eventually lead to a dispute panel if the issue remains unresolved.
President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has strongly criticised the tariffs, accusing Washington of attempting to influence Brazil`s upcoming presidential election.
The latest dispute follows a similar case in 2025, when Brazil sought WTO consultations after the US imposed 50% tariffs in response to the coup-related trial that resulted in former president Jair Bolsonaro being imprisoned.
Most of those tariffs were later withdrawn.
With Bolsonaro`s son, Flavio Bolsonaro, contesting October`s presidential election against Lula, the Brazilian leader has accused the right-wing candidate of encouraging pressure from the Trump administration to gain an electoral advantage. Flavio Bolsonaro has rejected the allegation.
The diplomatic tensions have also extended beyond trade.
A diplomatic source told AFP that Brazil recently denied visas to two US officials who had planned to meet with Brazilian election authorities ahead of the closely watched presidential vote.
