Trump targets Brazil’s Pix as dollar stablecoins gain ground

The United States is preparing to impose a 25% tariff on most Brazilian imports after naming the country’s Pix instant-payment system among trade practices it considers unfair.

The move comes as dollar-backed stablecoins account for a large share of Brazil’s crypto activity, creating a split between domestic payment policy and demand for digital dollars.

The U.S. Trade Representative’s July 15 action followed a year-long Section 301 investigation covering digital trade, electronic payments and other issues. The final tariff notice says the duty takes effect on July 22, with exemptions for products.

Washington puts Pix inside a wider trade dispute

USTR said Brazil has “unfairly disadvantaged” American electronic payment companies through policies that favor Pix. The agency did not impose a separate tariff on the payment system. Instead, it included electronic payments among the practices used to justify tariffs on Brazilian goods.

Pix has become a core part of everyday payments since the Central Bank of Brazil launched it in 2020. The central bank said the system processed 63 billion transactions worth BRL 26.4 trillion in 2024. Its adoption has increased competition with card networks and other payment services.

Dollar stablecoins keep expanding alongside Pix

The trade dispute comes as dollar-linked stablecoins play a growing role in Brazil’s digital asset market. Brazil’s central bank has said stablecoins account for about 90% of reported crypto flows, with users often turning to dollar-linked tokens for payments and value transfer.

The two systems can connect. As reported by crypto.news, Tether-backed Oobit added Pix support in June, allowing users to deposit reais, hold USDT and pay through Pix keys or QR codes. The product uses stablecoins behind an interface built around a familiar payment method.

Stablecoin use has also grown across the region. Crypto.news reported that dollar-pegged tokens represented 40% of crypto purchases on Bitso in 2025, ahead of Bitcoin. The data shows continued demand for digital dollars alongside established local payment systems.

Brazil draws a line around regulated cross-border payments

Brazilian regulators are tightening rules around how crypto can interact with official payment channels.Resolution BCB No. 561 bars virtual assets from settling payments inside regulated electronic foreign-exchange channels.

As reported by crypto.news, the rule does not ban stablecoins or crypto transfers in Brazil. It prevents regulated eFX providers from using digital assets to settle covered cross-border payments, keeping those flows inside approved foreign-exchange channels.

The policy separates private crypto use from regulated international settlement. Stablecoins can still circulate through exchanges, wallets and other services, while supervised payment firms must follow central bank foreign-exchange rules.

Trade pressure meets Brazil’s changing payment landscape

The U.S. action also arrives after Brazil promoted alternatives for international settlement during its 2025 BRICS presidency. Crypto.news reported that Brazilian officials discussed blockchain payment infrastructure while rejecting claims that the bloc was building a common currency to replace the dollar.

Washington’s action puts Pix inside a wider trade case rather than treating it as a crypto issue. At the same time, Brazil’s stablecoin market shows that dollar demand remains active through blockchain rails.

The payment market is moving in several directions. Pix dominates domestic instant payments, regulators are restricting crypto settlement in supervised cross-border channels, and dollar-backed stablecoins continue to attract users. The 25% tariff adds trade pressure to that changing landscape.