Brazil Criticises US Tariffs As Unjustified

BRASILIA, Sept 1 (Bernama-Xinhua) -- Brazil on Monday reiterated its dissatisfaction with US tariffs on Brazilian products, saying the tariffs were "unjustified and inconsistent" with international trade rules, reported Xinhua.

Brazilian Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira and Development, Industry, Trade and Services Minister Marcio Elias Rosa expressed this position during a virtual meeting with US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer.

In a joint statement, the Brazilian ministries said Brazil was unfairly treated and that the justifications presented by Washington in investigations under Section 301 of the US Trade Act of 1974 did not reflect Brazil's actual practices.

Despite the differences, the two countries agreed to continue negotiations. Technical meetings, either virtual or in person, will be held in the coming weeks, followed by another ministerial meeting to assess progress.

The Brazilian government said it would continue seeking a "balanced and mutually beneficial" agreement with the United States through dialogue and respect for national sovereignty.

Monday's virtual meeting followed a phone call between Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and US President Donald Trump on Aug. 21, during which Lula again questioned the tariffs and Trump proposed restarting negotiations.

In July, the Office of the US Trade Representative imposed a 25 per cent surcharge on several Brazilian products after nearly a year of review. An additional 12.5 per cent surcharge was later applied to more Brazilian goods.  

--BERNAMA-XINHUA