Donald Trump announced a 50% tariff on all goods from Brazil, effective August 1, citing the prosecution of former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro and long-standing trade disputes. In a letter to President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, President Trump condemned the Bolsonaro trial, calling it a “Witch Hunt” and an “international disgrace.”
Trump linked the tariff not only to Brazil’s “Tariff, and Non-Tariff, Policies and Trade Barriers” but also to its alleged threats to “Free Elections and Free Speech Rights of Americans.” The move follows a broader trade push, with Trump imposing or threatening tariffs on more than a dozen countries by August 1 as part of a “reciprocal” strategy announced in April.
The decision highlights Trump’s use of trade policy influenced by political relationships. He and Bolsonaro have previously expressed mutual support, and the former Brazilian leader’s post-election actions mirrored Trump’s own refusal to concede after 2020.
Bolsonaro, who denies wrongdoing, testified last month in a trial involving dozens of allies accused of plotting to overturn Brazil’s 2022 election results.
Sources:
The Hill – MBFC Rating
Associated Press – MBFC Rating
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