US to impose 25% tariff on Brazilian imports July 22

The United States will impose a 25 percent tariff on a wide range of Brazilian imports starting July 22, citing a yearlong investigation that found unfair trade practices by the South American nation. The Trump administration announced the decision on Wednesday, July 15, escalating trade tensions with the world's tenth-largest economy.

The tariffs, first proposed in early June, will apply to thousands of products, including ethanol, sugar, pig iron, wood moldings, and tobacco. However, several major Brazilian exports will be exempt, including beef, coffee, oranges and orange juice, some oil and gas energy products, and aerospace parts. The U.S. Trade Representative's office stated the action was necessary to ensure American workers and companies compete on a level playing field, following extensive negotiations that failed to resolve the issues.

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva's office swiftly condemned the move, issuing a statement that "repudiates" the decision and denies engaging in unfair practices. Officials in Brasilia had previously warned they were considering retaliatory measures once the tariffs take effect. The Brazilian government has characterized the...