Brazilian Authorities Say US Suspended Negotiations on Steel, Aluminum Tariffs

MEXICO CITY (Sputnik) - The Brazilian government on Wednesday said the negotiations with the United States on the exemptions from Washington’s tariffs on imports of Brazilian steel and aluminum had been called off at the initiative of the United States.

On Monday, Washington said it had reached preliminary agreements with Brazil to extend the exemptions.

"On April 26, the US authorities announced the decision to call off the negotiation process and to immediately apply to Brazil the additional duties, which had been temporarily suspended, or, as an alternative, to impose restrictive unilateral quotas without possibility of further negotiations," the Brazilian industry and foreign ministries said in a joint statement.

In March, Washington announced tariffs of 10 percent on aluminium imports and of 25 percent on steel imports. Brazil, as well as the European Union, Canada, Mexico, Australia, Argentina, and South Korea, were granted exemptions, which were in effect until May 1. On Tuesday, the United States extended the tariff exemption for one month for the European Union, Canada and Mexico.