Brazil, US Resume Tariff Talks as Trade Tensions Persist

Brazilian and U.S. officials resumed discussions over trade tariffs on Monday, agreeing to continue negotiations in the coming weeks as both countries seek to address tensions stemming from duties imposed by the Trump administration.

Brazilian Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira and Industry and Trade Minister Marcio Elias Rosa held a virtual meeting with U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, according to a statement from Brazil’s industry and trade ministry.

The talks focused on tariffs affecting Brazilian exports to the United States. Officials agreed that technical-level meetings would take place over the coming weeks, followed by another ministerial meeting to assess any progress made during those discussions.

Despite the renewed engagement, Brazil said Monday’s meeting did not produce a breakthrough.

“It was a meeting to resume dialogue. Obviously, we didn’t make any progress on any of the negotiating points,” Rosa told journalists.

Trade tensions escalated in July when the United States imposed a 25% tariff on imports of Brazilian products, citing alleged unfair trade practices. Days later, Washington introduced an additional 12.5% tariff on Brazilian imports as part of a broader measure affecting dozens of countries over allegations related to weak enforcement of forced labor bans.

During Monday’s virtual talks, Brazilian officials reiterated their opposition to the U.S. tariffs. The government told Greer that it considers the measures inconsistent with multilateral trade rules, according to the ministry.

The latest discussions represent another attempt by Brazil and the United States to keep diplomatic and trade channels open despite disagreements over Washington’s tariff policies.

The meeting followed a phone conversation earlier this month between Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and U.S. President Donald Trump, during which the two leaders discussed the tariffs.

Further technical negotiations are now expected to determine whether the two sides can narrow their differences before officials return to ministerial-level talks. Brazil has continued to push for changes to the U.S. measures while emphasizing its objections under international trade rules.