US Chamber cautions against escalating tariff spiral with Brazil

19 Jul '26 2 min read Pic: Generated by ChatGPT Insights Following the USTR announcement of plans to impose 25-per cent tariffs on Brazil, the US Chamber of Commerce requested both governments to use the Section 301 process to address persistent bilateral trade challenges. "An escalation risks undermining the mutually-beneficial economic partnership both countries have built,” Neil Herrington, the chamber's senior vice president for the Americas, said. Following the US Trade Representative's (USTR) announcement of plans to impose 25-per cent tariffs on Brazil, the US Chamber of Commerce reiterated its long-standing request that the two governments use the Section 301 process to address persistent bilateral trade challenges in requisite areas. “It’s precisely the damaging escalatory spiral we’ve warned since the outset of the Section 301 process could have far reaching negative implications for American businesses, workers and supply chains,” Neil Herrington, the chamber’s senior vice president for the Americas, said in a statement. "An escalation risks undermining the mutually-beneficial economic partnership both countries have built. This is precisely why, on July 9, US and Brazilian business communities jointly proposed a negotiating agenda outlining a concrete, two-step approach to resolve ongoing trade challenges and unlock the vast potential of the bilateral relationship,” he noted. The chamber is ready to support that effort as meaningful negotiations and de-escalation remain the most effective path forward for businesses, workers and consumers on both sides, Herrington added. The USTR action had followed a year-long investigation that found certain Brazilian measures on digital trade and electronic payment services, preferential tariffs, anti-corruption interference, intellectual property protection, ethanol market access and illegal deforestation to be unreasonable and to burden or restrict US commerce. The investigation included two public hearings, more than 360 public comments and negotiations with Brazil. Fibre2Fashion News Desk (DS) Want to unlock the full story? Free for registered users - Register now to continue. Already a member? Sign in