Trump administration proposes 25% tariff to punish Brazil over trade practices

The administration also cited Brazil’s restrictions on access to its ethanol market, and what it described as inadequate enforcement of anti-deforestation laws.

The new tariffs would be imposed under Section 301 of US trade policy — a statute that gives the US government broad authority to impose trade sanctions based on violations of trade agreements, as well as what it deems “unfair” trade practices under the Trade Act of 1974.

The Office of the United States Trade Representative has proposed 25 percent tariffs on Brazilian goods with some exemptions alleging "unreasonable acts, policies, and practices" by the Latin American giant.

The ‌proposed new tariff, subject to public consultation ahead of a July 15 deadline, would exclude some items, such as beef, coffee, rare earths, other metals, energy and aircraft parts.