Trade Tensions Rise as US Targets Brazil's Pix Amid Tariff Row

Washington’s recent tariff announcement, which adds duties of up to 25 percent on selected Brazilian goods, has been accompanied by criticism of the country’s home‑grown digital payment system, Pix.

President Lula, speaking at a political event in Sao Paulo, warned that he will confront the United States on the issue, saying he will ask President Trump to experience Pix first‑hand at the upcoming UN session.

The Pix platform, rolled out by the Brazilian central bank in 2020, enables real‑time, round‑the‑clock transfers and is now used by a majority of consumers and merchants across Brazil.

The dispute also touches on a diplomatic incident in August when the United States revoked the visa of Brazil’s ambassador to Washington, a move Lula condemned as reckless. Both trade and diplomatic frictions remain unresolved as the two countries head toward the year‑end elections in Brazil.