Brazil may tax US tech platforms if US President Donald Trump ratifies tariffs on steel and aluminum imports, Folha de S.Paulo reported Monday, citing a government official. Expected to be formalized today, Trump's measure could directly affect Brazil, which directed 48% of its total exports, equivalent to $5.7 billion in 2024, to the US market.
According to the report, Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva's government seeks to avoid an open trade conflict but acknowledges the need for a response. The proposed digital tax would target platforms like Amazon, Google, and Spotify.
The source emphasized that the measure has been under discussion within the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). The tax would reportedly shield Brazilian industrial sectors from cost increases and has support from major industry representatives.
