US threatens 25% tariff on Brazil exports; ApexBrasil hires US law firm

The United States Trade Representative (USTR) has placed Brazil under Section 301 of the 1974 Trade Act and signaled a 25% surcharge on a range of high‑value manufactured exports, potentially affecting about $11 billion of trade in goods such as footwear, plastics, leather articles and agricultural machinery. ApexBrasil, Brazil’s export‑promotion agency, responded by engaging a Miami‑based law firm to assist impacted sectors in preparing written submissions and participating in public hearings scheduled before 15 July. Agency manager Mariele Christ said the goal is to “sensibilizar diferentes stakeholders e atores do ecossistema norte‑americano.”

The USTR also accused Brazil of restrictive practices toward foreign fintechs, cited shortcomings in anti‑corruption, piracy and illegal deforestation enforcement, and proposed a higher tariff of up to 37.5% in a separate statement. In parallel, Washington classified Brazil’s Primeiro Comando da Capital (PCC) and Comando Vermelho (CV) criminal groups as terrorist organizations. Brazilian officials emphasize the need to defend national interests while seeking to diversify markets beyond the United States.