Brazil condemned the United States’ 12.5% tariffs on its exports and 59 other partners as arbitrary and unjustified, accusing Washington of exploiting a human rights issue for protectionist aims. Brasília said there was no legal basis under domestic or U.S. law for the measures and announced retaliatory steps under its Reciprocity Law while planning to take the dispute to the World Trade Organization. The tariffs, part of a broader enforcement program on forced labor, followed a separate 25% tariff imposed last week on Brazilian goods. Australia, Mexico and other partners criticized the move, with Australia saying the tariffs “make no sense” and Mexico noting that most of its exports would remain protected under USMCA. Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva indicated willingness to negotiate but warned Brazil would seek alternative markets if needed. The Brazilian government and multiple outlets frame the U.S. measures as selective weaponization of human rights concerns and a pretext for trade protectionism.