Brazil Finance Minister Dario Durigan Defends Pix Amid USTR Tariff Proposal

The U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) released a preliminary report accusing Brazil of illegal practices in digital commerce, including its instant payment system Pix, and suggested a 25% additional tariff on many Brazilian imports.

Brazil’s Finance Minister Dario Durigan rejected the claims, saying the arguments lack merit and that Pix is a publicly accessible infrastructure that does not discriminate against foreign firms. He said he expects a rational, technical decision that will not uphold the tariffs and noted that Brazil, through Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira, has submitted a formal response contesting the USTR findings.

The USTR investigation, conducted under Section 301 of the 1974 Trade Act, also raised concerns about social‑media regulation, preferential tariffs, illegal deforestation, ethanol market access and intellectual‑property protection. No additional tariff is in force yet; the process requires a completed investigation and public consultations before any measures could be applied.