Brazil requests WTO consultations over US tariffs

SAO PAULO, July 27 (Reuters) - Brazil has requested consultations with the U.S. under the World Trade Organization's dispute settlement system over tariffs announced by the Trump administration this month, the Brazilian Foreign Relations Ministry said in a statement on Monday.

The request is related to tariffs of 25% imposed by the U.S. on imports of some Brazilian goods for alleged unfair trade practices, and up to 12.5% tariffs on goods from dozens of nations, including Brazil, linked to allegations of lax enforcement of forced labor bans.

Brazil said the measures are "unjustified and inconsistent" with U.S. obligations under the WTO's "General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade 1994" and "Understanding on Rules and Procedures Governing the Settlement of Disputes".

The government of President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva had already said it would take the matter to the WTO. It took similar measure last year following a previous round of Trump tariffs, which were later struck down by the U.S. Supreme Court.