Brazilian Finance Minister Dario Durigan called the U.S. tariffs "absurd," but said negotiations with the U.S. government will continue. File Photo by Andre Borges/EPA
BRASILIA, Brazil, July 28 (UPI) -- Brazil has formally requested consultations at the World Trade Organization over new U.S. tariffs on Brazilian exports, arguing the measures violate international trade rules.
Brazil's Foreign Ministry said Monday that the request marks the first formal step in the WTO dispute settlement process. The government is challenging additional U.S. tariffs of 25% and 12.5% imposed after separate trade investigations involving Brazilian products.
Brazil argues the measures violate obligations under the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade, known as GATT, according to state-run Agência Brasil.
According to Brazil's Ministry of Development, Industry, Trade and Services, the tariffs affect about $6.6 billion in exports to the United States, including machinery, wood products, footwear, furniture and apparel.
