USTR Section 301 Determination on Brazil: Proposed Tariffs and Request for Comments

USTR determined certain Brazilian digital trade, payment, tariff, IP, ethanol, and deforestation practices are actionable under Section 301 and proposes tariffs on Brazilian articles, with comments invited.

What changed

The U.S. Trade Representative determined that certain of Brazil's acts, policies, and practices—covering digital trade and electronic payment services, allegedly unfair/preferential tariffs, anti-corruption enforcement, IP protection, ethanol market access, and illegal deforestation—are actionable under Sections 301(b) and 304(a) of the Trade Act of 1974. USTR is proposing action, including new tariffs on articles of Brazil along with certain exemptions, and is requesting public comment.

Who/what it hits

Importers of goods originating in Brazil could face additional Section 301 duties once any tariff action is finalized. The notice does not yet specify duty rates, covered HTS subheadings, or effective dates.

What an importer should do

Review the notice and any proposed product list for HTS lines relevant to your Brazil sourcing.
Consider submitting comments within the stated comment window, including requests for exemptions.
Watch for a follow-up Federal Register notice that finalizes rates, product coverage, and effective dates before pricing in any duty changes.

Informational only — not customs advice. Classification and valuation decisions are the importer’s responsibility under 19 USC §1484. For declarations or binding rulings, consult a licensed customs broker.