1. USTR Finalizes 25% Tariff on Most Brazilian Goods

On July 15, the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative finalized its Section 301 action against Brazil, imposing a 25% tariff on most Brazilian goods.

USTR found that Brazil maintains a range of policies and practices that disadvantage U.S. companies and consumers. These include digital trade measures affecting U.S. social media companies, electronic payment practices that discriminate against U.S. providers, preferential tariff treatment for certain countries below most-favored-nation rates, and inadequate enforcement related to corruption and intellectual property protections.

The 25% tariff applies broadly, although USTR excluded certain products listed in the final action. Excluded products include coffee, beef, aircraft and aircraft parts, and most energy products. Products already subject to Section 232 tariffs are also exempt.

The final action follows a year-long Section 301 investigation, an initial determination released on June 1, a public comment period, and public hearings held in early July. In response, the Brazilian government announced that it will challenge the U.S. action through both Brazil’s domestic reciprocity law and the World Trade Organization’s dispute settlement process.

Why it matters: Brazil is an important commercial market and a meaningful source of international business engagement for U.S. exhibitions, conferences, and trade shows. A broad 25% tariff on Brazilian goods could increase costs for companies that import products, materials, ingredients, equipment, promotional items, or other event-related supplies from Brazil.

The dispute also matters because Brazil has signaled that it will challenge the action. That means businesses may face months or years of uncertainty as the tariff action is contested through legal and diplomatic channels. Even if some companies ultimately receive relief, exclusions, or revised tariff treatment, the near-term effect is likely to be higher compliance costs and less predictable pricing.

2. U.S.-India Trade Negotiations Continue as Tariff Deadlines Approach

U.S.-India trade negotiations remain active, but the final agreement has not yet been signed.

According to Indian government officials, India is prepared to finalize its bilateral trade deal with the United States once the Trump administration provides New Delhi with sufficient comparative advantage over regional trading partners. Indian Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal said the framework agreement is ready but that “deals are about comparative advantage.”

The two countries reached a framework agreement in February, but Indian officials have repeatedly emphasized the importance of securing preferential treatment compared with other regional exporters into the U.S. market. Recent reporting suggested that India was holding out for stronger assurances that it would maintain a tariff advantage over competitors, including China, and that the United States would not impose additional tariffs on Indian products after the deal is finalized.

Indian Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal dismissed that reporting as false, and U.S. Ambassador to India Sergio Gor similarly rejected claims of disagreement. Still, the negotiations are occurring against a complicated backdrop. The global 10% tariff under Section 122 is set to expire on July 24, and USTR is expected to take final action around the same time in its Section 301 investigation into forced labor.

India has already taken proactive steps to address the forced-labor issue. On July 13, India’s Commerce Department announced that the central government had been empowered to prohibit the import of goods produced wholly or in part with forced labor. Under USTR’s initial determination in the forced labor investigation, countries that partially implement forced-labor policies or reach a trade agreement with the United States may face a lower tariff rate of 10%, rather than 12.5%.

Why it matters: India is a growing market for U.S. business and professional events, including exhibitions, conferences, international buyers, exhibitors, suppliers, sponsors, and attendees. A completed U.S.-India trade agreement could strengthen commercial ties and provide greater predictability for companies doing business across both markets.

However, the unresolved tariff questions remain a concern. If India does not secure a durable tariff advantage or if additional U.S. tariffs are imposed after an agreement is signed, the deal may provide less certainty than businesses need. Companies with India-related sourcing, production, sales, or event participation could still face higher costs and changing compliance requirements.

For the events industry, India’s importance goes beyond goods. Stronger U.S.-India commercial ties could support increased business travel, international participation in U.S. trade shows, and new opportunities for U.S. event organizers and suppliers. But tariff uncertainty can dampen that momentum by making cross-border business planning more expensive and less predictable.