Brazilian Senator Flávio Bolsonaro appeared before the United States Trade Representative (USTR) in Washington on Tuesday, urging the Trump administration to postpone a proposed 25% tariff on Brazilian goods until after Brazil's general elections in October. Bolsonaro, the eldest son of former President Jair Bolsonaro and the leading right-wing contender for the presidency, argued that imposing the tariff now would amount to a political gift to President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, who is seeking re-election.

The proposed tariff stems from a Section 301 investigation — a US trade law mechanism — into what Washington describes as Brazil's unfair commercial practices. These include alleged illegal deforestation and Brazil's Pix instant-payment system, which US authorities argue constitutes unfair competition against American credit card companies. Brasília rejects both accusations. The tariff would exempt several key Brazilian exports, including beef, coffee, rare earths and aircraft parts, and a final decision is expected before July 15. In his remarks, Bolsonaro defended Pix as