The investigation follows former President Trump's threats of tariffs and highlights tensions over Brazil's digital payment policies and BRICS currency discussions.
The United States has initiated an investigation into Brazil's digital trade practices, specifically targeting the Pix payment system, which has outpaced private competitors. US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer cited concerns over Brazil's policies that may disadvantage US exporters and penalize American tech firms for not censoring political content. This move escalates tensions, especially with Trump's recent threats of a 50% tariff on Brazilian imports. Launched in 2020, Pix has become integral to Brazil's digital economy, prompting scrutiny over its impact on US payment alternatives.