The Trump administration imposed a 25% tariff on various Brazilian imports, over an investigation into alleged censorship of U.S. technology companies, restrictions on U.S. ethanol, and Amazon deforestation, CNN Brasil said on Wednesday.

The potential measure stems from a probe launched under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974, a statute that empowers Washington to counter foreign practices it deems discriminatory or harmful to U.S. businesses and their commercial interests.

RELATED: SouthCom Head Arrives in Ecuador to Review Joint Security Operations

Regarding the Amazon, the inquiry claims that illegal land clearing enables Brazil to expand its agricultural production, thereby displacing U.S. exports in third‑country markets and creating a competitive imbalance.

The proposed duties would apply to Brazilian goods entering the United States, though they would exclude beef, coffee, metals, energy and several other commodities.

Today, President Trump directed USTR to impose a 25% tariff on most Brazilian imports. Let there be no confusion about why: President Lula and his government have not negotiated with the US in good faith.

His economic policies are bad for Americans and bad for Brazilians. For…

— Secretary Marco Rubio (@SecRubio) July 16, 2026

The unilateral escalation comes amid heightened electoral tensions, following a 7 May visit by Flávio Bolsonaro – son of convicted former President Jair Bolsonaro and a presidential candidate himself – to the White House, which was interpreted as a gesture of Republican support for the far‑right aspirant’s campaign.

From teleSUR English via This RSS Feed.