US Trade Representative Opens Section 301 Probe Into Brazil

The Office of the US Trade Representative on Tuesday opened an investigation into Brazil over its trade practices and whether they are unfairly restricting US exports to the country, a week after President Donald Trump threatened a 50% tariff on the country.

The investigation, being conducted under Section 301 of the 1974 Trade Act, will investigate Brazil’s practices and policies “related to digital trade and electronic payment services; unfair, preferential tariffs; anti-corruption interference; intellectual property protection; ethanol market access; and illegal deforestation,” according to a fact sheet.