US launches trade investigation against Brazil over Bolsonaro allegations

The Trump administration has officially initiated a trade investigation against Brazil, accusing the country of unfair practices and persecution of Trump ally Jair Bolsonaro.

According to The New York Times, the White House opened the trade probe on Tuesday, alleging discrimination against American tech companies and targeting of Jair Bolsonaro, an ally of Donald Trump.

The investigation aims to determine whether Brazil’s policies and actions were unfair or harmful to American businesses, said the Office of the United States Trade Representative. It covers a range of issues, including tariffs on American goods, digital trade regulations, access conditions to the ethanol market, and anti-corruption measures that the US views as interference.

The Trump administration primarily accused Brazil of unfair practices believed to harm American companies and workers.

US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer stated that the investigation includes Brazil’s actions against American social media companies, as well as other policies that may impede trade.

This investigation could lead to additional tariffs. In particular, President Trump has already threatened a 50% tariff on all imports from Brazil.

By Vugar Khalilov