The Trump administration claims to have opened an inquiry into the “unfair” trade practices of Brazil. According to a statement from the US trade representative, it will include initiatives “related to digital trade and electronic payment services; unfair, preferential tariffs; anti-corruption interference” implemented by the Brazilian government.
They are being investigated to see if they are “unreasonable or discriminatory and burden or restrict US commerce.” US President Donald Trump accused Brazilian authorities of conducting a “witch hunt” and asked them to stop their prosecution of former President Jair Bolsonaro last week.
Trump ordered the investigation “into Brazil’s attacks on American social media companies as well as other unfair trading practices that harm American companies, workers, farmers, and technology innovators,” according to US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer.
I have decided that Brazil’s non-tariff and tariff obstacles deserve an extensive review, and potentially, responsive action,” he stated. Greer charged that by granting other trading partners cheaper tariffs, Brazil was undermining American exports.
Investigators will investigate claims that Brazil is trying to punish US digital commerce and service corporations for failing to restrict political discourse. A lack of appropriate enforcement of intellectual property rights, according to the agency, has harmed US workers “whose livelihoods are tied to America’s innovation- and creativity-driven sectors.
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