United States President, Donald Trump, has declared plans to impose a 50% tariff on goods produced in Brazil, intensifying tensions with the South American nation.
The announcement came via a new tariff letter Trump shared on social media, where he accused Brazil of targeting U.S. technology firms and pursuing a “witch hunt” against former president Jair Bolsonaro, who is under investigation for allegedly trying to overturn the 2022 election.
Trump’s message prompted a swift response from Brazil’s President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. In a social media post, Lula warned that any tariff hike would be met with equivalent measures. He also cautioned the U.S. against meddling in Brazil’s judicial affairs.
Earlier this week, the U.S. president had a similar clash with Lula over Bolsonaro’s legal troubles. At the time, Lula remarked, “No one is above the law,” and insisted Brazil “would not accept interference from anyone.”
In addition to the Brazil tariffs, Trump confirmed that a 50% levy on copper imports, announced earlier in the week, will take effect on August 1, citing national security as the reason.
Over the past week, Trump has issued 22 letters to global trade partners, including Japan, South Korea, and Sri Lanka, outlining tariffs set to begin on the same date.
Many of these echo proposals he floated in April, which were paused after sparking unease in financial markets.
However, the Brazil-focused letter carried a more severe tone and marked a substantial jump from the 10% tariff the U.S. had previously announced.
Notably, the U.S. had a trade surplus with Brazil last year, selling more goods to Brazil than it imported.
Trump described the new 50% tariff as “necessary… to rectify the grave injustices of the current regime.”
He also said he would direct the U.S. Trade Representative to launch a Section 301 investigation into Brazil’s digital policies, an approach the U.S. has previously used to justify trade penalties.
Trump had earlier considered similar action during his presidency over Brazil’s proposed tax on tech companies.
In his letter, Trump accused the Brazilian administration of “insidious attacks on Free Elections, and the fundamental Free Speech Rights of Americans,” criticizing the country’s rulings that affected U.S. social media platforms.
He specifically referenced his own company, Trump Media, which has challenged Brazilian court decisions that led to account suspensions.
Brazil has recently clashed with tech giants over content regulation. The government briefly banned X, owned by Elon Musk, for failing to suspend accounts spreading misinformation about the 2022 election.
In June, Brazil’s Supreme Court ruled that social media firms could be held accountable for user content.
Trump also expressed support for Bolsonaro, saying he “respected him greatly” and calling his trial “an international disgrace.”
The two leaders shared a close relationship during their time in office, even meeting at the White House in 2019. Both later lost reelection bids and were criticized for refusing to concede.
Bolsonaro is currently on trial for allegedly orchestrating a failed coup attempt in January 2023, when his supporters stormed Brazil’s federal buildings after Lula’s victory. Bolsonaro, who was in the U.S. at the time, has denied any involvement.
Trump recently likened Bolsonaro’s legal troubles to his own, saying, “This is nothing more, or less, than an attack on a Political Opponent – Something I know much about!” Bolsonaro later thanked him for the public backing.
Trump also denounced the Brics summit hosted in Rio de Janeiro last Sunday, describing the group, which includes Brazil—as “anti-American.” He said an additional 10% tariff would be imposed on all Brics nations.
Responding to Trump’s remarks, President Lula said on Monday: “He needs to know that the world has changed. We don’t want an emperor.”
