Brazil accuses US of extending trade powers on 'baseless' claims

Cargo vessels are seen near port facilities in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, July 16, 2026. /VCG Cargo vessels are seen near port facilities in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, July 16, 2026. /VCG Brazil on Wednesday denounced the United States for using what it called "baseless and false" claims to extend its emergency trade powers against the South American country for another year, a move aimed at justifying the continued imposition of punitive tariffs on Brazilian exports.In a statement, the Brazilian government condemned the US decision, criticizing the repeated use of "baseless and false arguments" alleging that Brazil poses an "unusual and extraordinary threat to US national security, foreign policy and the economy."Designating Brazil as a threat requiring emergency economic measures has allowed Washington to impose tariffs of up to 35% on a range of Brazilian industrial goods as part of the tariff policy launched by US President Donald Trump in 2025.According to Washington, the emergency measures are necessary due to alleged human rights violations, the suppression of free speech for US individuals and companies, and the political persecution of former President Jair Bolsonaro. Bolsonaro was recently found guilty of attempting a coup after losing his reelection bid.Categorically rejecting these accusations, Brazil said the allegations had already been thoroughly refuted in multiple bilateral meetings.The statement further emphasized that "it is entirely inappropriate to characterize Brazil as a threat to the United States, especially in light of the historic diplomatic ties and friendship that unite both peoples." Source(s): Xinhua News Agency