Trump Administration Imposes 50% Tariff on Brazilian Imports

Trump noted that the new 50% tariff on Brazilian imports was justified due to the unfair treatment of former President Jair Bolsonaro and the censorship orders issued by Brazil’s courts on social media platforms. In response, Lula stated that these measures would be met with reciprocity.

Trump Enacts 50% Tariff on Brazilian Products

The Trump Administration has announced a 50% tariff on all Brazilian imports, a move that has sparked widespread rejection from the authorities of the South American nation.

President Trump posted a letter to Brazil’s President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva on Truth Social, noting that this new tariff was justified by the alleged unfair treatment of former President Jair Bolsonaro in courts and the censorship orders directed to U.S.-based social media platforms.

In addition, Trump stated that the two countries have had years to discuss their trade relationship and concluded that the U.S. must “move away” from the “longstanding and very unfair” relationship created by Brazil’s tariff policies.

He remarked that the deficit from this unbalanced trade turnover was a “major threat” to the country’s economy and national security.

Finally, Trump emphasized that any retaliatory tariff increases would be added on top of the 50% imposed.

President Lula rejected this move, remarking that Brazil was a sovereign nation that would not accept any tutelage, defending the country’s courts and its laws. On X, he stated:

Any unilateral tariff increases will be addressed in accordance with Brazil’s Economic Reciprocity Law. Sovereignty, respect, and the unwavering defense of the interests of the Brazilian people are the values that guide our relationship with the world.

Trump has also sent similar letters to 22 countries, enacting unilateral tariffs of up to 50%. If these tariffs are implemented on August 1st, Brazil would be one of the countries facing the highest levies.

On Tuesday, Trump threatened BRICS and allied countries promoting an anti-American agenda with additional 10% tariffs. However, there is no mention of this in the letter sent to Lula, so it is unclear whether these tariffs would apply to Brazil, which has promoted an anti-dollarization agenda.

Read more: Trump Threatens Tariffs on BRICS Allies Amid Push for Alternative System