Trump moves to scale back tariffs on Brazil as negotiations progress

WASHINGTON

US President Donald Trump issued a new executive order Thursday modifying the tariffs his administration imposed this summer on a wide range of Brazilian goods, lifting additional duties on certain agricultural imports.

The order revises Executive Order 14323 signed in July, in which Trump declared a national emergency over what he called “policies, practices, and actions of the Government of Brazil” that he argued posed a threat to US national security and economic interests. That earlier order added a 40% ad valorem duty on numerous Brazilian imports.

"There has been initial progress in negotiations with the Government of Brazil," according to the order, referencing last month's phone call between Trump and his Brazilian counterpart Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, who agreed to open negotiations aimed at resolving the dispute.

The updated annex to the July order, which takes effect retroactively on Nov. 13, removes certain agricultural categories from the additional duty rate.

Under the directive, Secretary of State Marco Rubio will continue monitoring developments and advise the president if further action is needed.