Itamaraty (Brazil's Foreign Ministry) assembles task force in the US to counter American investigation.
Brazilian government prepares defense against accusations of unfair trade practices.
247 - The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has formed a task force to prepare Brazil's first formal defense in the investigation opened by the government of US President Donald Trump into alleged unfair trade practices. The investigation was announced on July 15 under the Section 301 of the Trade Act 1974 It covers topics such as digital commerce, preferential tariffs, intellectual property, access to the ethanol market, enforcement of anti-corruption laws, and deforestation. This information was released by... Valor EconômicoAccording to Itamaraty (Brazil's Ministry of Foreign Affairs), the country will have up to August 18th, XNUMX to present its initial arguments in writing. "Since the announcement of the investigation, Itamaraty, in coordination with all competent government areas on the matters addressed, has been working to prepare a robust written statement," the ministry said in a note. The ministry highlighted that the work is at an advanced stage and is being conducted by experienced civil servants, in coordination with other agencies in the Esplanade of Ministries.
Context of the trade dispute
The opening of the process by United States Trade Representative (USTR) This occurred after Trump stated that Brazilian products could be subject to a 50% tariff. The American president linked the measure to trade barriers imposed by Brazil and also to the trial of former president Jair Bolsonaro in the Supreme Federal Court, with whom he is an ideological ally.
In addition to preparing its defense, the Brazilian government formally requested consultations—a procedure provided for in the rules of the investigation. These consultations allow the parties to attempt to reach an understanding before punitive measures are taken.
International legal support
To strengthen its argument, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that it has the support of the law firm. Baker McKenzie, specializing in international trade. Founded in Chicago in the 1940s, the firm maintains over 70 offices in more than 40 cities across the U.S., Canada, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Latin America.
