UNITED STATES STRUCTURAL PROTECTIONISM AND TRADE DISPUTES WITH BRAZIL AT THE WTO (2001–2026)

Abstract

This essay aims to analyze the international trade conflict between Brazil and the United States, triggered by the recurrent protectionist practices adopted by the U.S. market to the detriment of Brazilian products of significant economic relevance. Starting from a historical reconstruction of economic thought from the Enlightenment to contemporary neoliberalism, as well as from the analysis of the normative framework of the World Trade Organization (WTO) and its dispute settlement mechanisms, three specific cases of trade restriction are examined: pharmaceutical products (patents and compulsory licensing), steel (antidumping and safeguard measures), and orange juice (Florida equalization tax). The methodology adopted is bibliographical and documentary research with a qualitative approach and descriptive-analytical character. It is concluded that, although U.S. protectionist practices are blatantly contrary to the international agreements signed and to the principles of the multilateral trading system, Brazil has succeeded in disputes before the WTO dispute settlement bodies, consolidating itself as a protagonist of developing countries in the defense of a more equitable international trade.