Overview

• Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said Brazil is among countries that need to be "fixed," urging partners to open markets, stop actions that harm the U.S., and "play ball" to sell to American consumers.
• A new tariff package of 25% to 100% on medicines, heavy trucks, furniture, and kitchen and bathroom items takes effect on October 1 and targets countries including Ireland, Switzerland, Australia, South Korea, the United Kingdom, India, Mexico, Germany, China, and Japan.
• President Donald Trump defends the measures as necessary to protect U.S. industry and to address national security concerns tied to high import volumes.
• Brazil recorded a trade deficit of more than US$28 billion with the U.S. last year, and it was already hit by a 50% tariff announced in August rather than being included in this new round.
• Trump and President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva plan to open direct talks after a brief exchange at the UN, with Brazil seeking tariff relief and broader economic dialogue.