Brazil has requested WTO dispute consultations with the United States regarding additional US duties on products originating in Brazil as a result of two investigations by the United States under Section 301 of the US Trade Act of 1974. Brazil said the additional duties are above the duties otherwise applicable under the US harmonized tariff schedule. The request was circulated to WTO members on 30 July.
Brazil contends the US measures - which consist of an additional ad valorem duty of 25 per cent on all products originating in Brazil (subject to certain exemptions) as a result of a Section 301 investigation and an additional ad valorem duty of 12.5 per cent on products of Brazil (subject to certain exemptions) as a result of another Section 301 investigation focused on allegations related to forced labour - are inconsistent with various provisions of the WTO's General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) 1994 and the Dispute Settlement Understanding.
Further information is available in document WT/DS646/1.
What is a request for consultations?
The request for consultations formally initiates a dispute in the WTO. Consultations give the parties an opportunity to discuss the matter and to find a satisfactory solution without proceeding further with litigation. After 60 days, if consultations have failed to resolve the dispute, the complainant may request adjudication by a panel.
About WTO
The World Trade Organization (WTO) deals with the global rules of trade between nations. Its main function is to ensure that trade flows as smoothly, predictably and freely as possible. More