Brazil Challenges U.S. Tariffs at WTO Amidst Political Tensions

Brazil has filed a WTO complaint against U.S. tariffs on its goods, following a 50% tariff imposition by the U.S. in response to alleged support for Jair Bolsonaro. Brazil views the tariffs as a violation of WTO commitments and seeks a resolution through negotiations.

Brazil has officially requested consultations at the World Trade Organization (WTO) to challenge tariffs imposed by the United States on Brazilian goods, according to an official statement released on Wednesday.

The move comes after former U.S. President Donald Trump imposed a 50% tariff on U.S. imports from Brazil. Trump justified the tariff as a reaction to what he described as a "witch hunt" against his ally, former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, who currently faces trial for allegedly plotting a coup after losing the 2022 presidential election.

Brazil, the largest economy in Latin America, contends that the U.S.'s steep levies violate fundamental WTO commitments. The Brazilian government expressed its commitment to negotiation and hopes these consultations will lead to a resolution, despite the WTO's dispute settlement system issues.

(With inputs from agencies.)