Donald Trump targets Brazil: US President announces 50% tariffs; cites ‘witch hunt’ against Bolsonaro

US President Donald Trump introduced on Wednesday his intention to implement a 50% tariff on Brazilian imports, partially responding to what he phrases a “witch hunt” against his political ally, former Brazil President Jair Bolsonaro, who faces coup-related prices.Trump’s letter addressed to President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva acknowledged the tariffs would begin August 1. “The way that Brazil has treated former President Bolsonaro, a Highly Respected Leader throughout the World during his Term, including by the United States, is an international disgrace.”The letter additional indicated the 50% tariff was important to “have the Level Playing Field we must have with your Country” and “to rectify the grave injustices of the current regime.”The letter additionally cited “SECRET and UNLAWFUL Censorship Orders to UA Social Media platforms” and introduced a commerce investigation into Brazil relating to “continued attacks on the Digital Trade activities of American Companies.”

Lula hit again at Trump, quickly after the announcement, hinting at reciprocal tariffs. “Any unilateral tariff increases will be addressed in light of the Brazilian Law of Economic Reciprocity,” Lula wrote on X.He additional criticised Trump over him citing the Bolsonaro trial. “Brazil is a sovereign nation with independent institutions that will not accept being dictated to by anyone.The judicial process against those who planned the coup d’état is solely within the jurisdiction of the Brazilian Judiciary and, therefore, is not subject to any form of interference or threat that undermines the independence of national institutions,” stated the Brazil President.“In the context of digital platforms, Brazilian society rejects content promoting hatred, racism, child pornography, scams, fraud, and rhetoric against human rights and democratic freedom.In Brazil, freedom of expression is not to be confused with aggression or violent practices. To operate in our country, all national and foreign companies are subject to Brazilian legislation,” he added.Lula additional claimed that Trump’s declare of deficit is wrong, saying, “The claim regarding an alleged US trade deficit in the commercial relationship between Brazil and the United States is false. Statistics from the U.S. government itself confirm a surplus for that country in the trade of goods and services with Brazil, amounting to 410 billion dollars over the past 15 years.”Additionally, speaking about Brazil’s sovereignty, Lula additionally stated, “Sovereignty, respect, and the unwavering defence of the interests of the Brazilian people are the values that guide our relationship with the world.”Meanwhile, Brazilian Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes, who oversees the Bolsonaro case, has directed tech firms to take away quite a few accounts allegedly threatening Brazilian democracy, making him a major goal for right-wing critics in each nations.Trump publicly opposed the prison proceedings against Bolsonaro on Monday as properly, regarding the former president’s makes an attempt to retain energy following his defeat in Brazil’s 2022 election. Lula responded decisively, telling reporters on Monday, “I think it’s very wrong and very irresponsible for a president to be threatening others on social media. People have to learn that respect is a good thing.” He additional remarked about Trump, “He needs to know that the world has changed. We don’t want an emperor.”

Trump’s tariffs salvo

US President Donald Trump has introduced a contemporary spherical of steep import tariffs on a number of nations, other than a 50 per cent obligation on Brazil. Other affected nations embody the Philippines, Brunei, Moldova, Algeria, Libya, Iraq, and Sri Lanka, with tariffs starting from 20 to 30 per cent. These will take impact from August 1, 2025.This transfer adopted Monday’s launch of tariff letters to 14 nations, together with Japan, South Korea, and South Africa, with duties between 25 and 40 per cent. Trump’s whole checklist now spans over 20 nations, concentrating on what he calls “non-reciprocal” commerce practices.The rollout marks a shift from Trump’s earlier “Liberation Day” bulletins by way of visible boards to formal, if unusually styled, letters. He known as the written method “more powerful” and efficient.While the Trump administration positions the sweeping duties as a correction to unfair commerce imbalances, analysts warn of dangers to world provide chains and heightened diplomatic tensions.Read extra: Donald Trump fires new tariff salvo! Letters to extra nations launched; Brazil, Iraq, Sri Lanka & others to resist 50% duties