Trump government argued that recent policies, practices and actions of the Brazilian government ‘undermine the rule of law and threaten national security, foreign policy and the economy of the United States’
The ones accepted the consultation made in early August by Brazil in the World Trade Organization, but considered that some of the actions cited by Brazil are “national security issues, not susceptible to review or resolution through resolution of controversy in the WTO”.
“Without prejudice to these opinions, the United States accept Brazil’s request to start consultations. We are ready to talk to its mission authorities about a mutually convenient date for consultations,” adds the US government document presented on Monday (18) to.
The document also says that Brazil’s request includes certain US tariff actions that are “in accordance” with the National Emergency Emergency Law and the International Emergency Economic Powers Law, related to national security issues. “The President (Donald Trump) determined that these actions were necessary to deal with the national emergency arising from conditions reflected in large and persistent annual US goods with commercial partners, threatening national security and the economy of the United States.”
Trump administration also argued that recent policies, practices and actions of the Government of Brazil “undermine the rule of law and threaten national security, foreign policy and the economy of the United States.” The text acknowledges that each WTO member maintains the authority to determine the measures it deems necessary to protect their essential security interests.
Brazil’s request includes an investigation opened by the US Commercial Representative Office (USTR), pursuant to section 301 for some Brazil’s acts, policies and practices related to digital trade and electronic payment services; unfair preferred tariffs; Application of anti -corruption measures; Protection of intellectual property; access to the ethanol market; and illegal deforestation.
According to the US government, the beginning of an investigation under section 301 only indicates that tariff and non-tariff barriers ‘deserve a complete investigation’ and ‘potentially responsive actions’. ” The Trump government, therefore, considers that Brazil’s request regarding the investigation of Section 301 does not refer to measures that affect the operation of any agreement covered, taken within the territory of a WTO member, which means it does not meet the requirements for a request for consultations.
*With information from Estadão Content
Posted by Carol Santos
