Trump threatens 50% tariff on Brazil

U.S. President Donald Trump has threatened to impose a 50% tariff on goods imported from Brazil. In addition, he has called for an end to the ongoing legal proceedings against former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro.

Trump made the announcement in a statement posted on social media. The British news outlet BBC reported the development on Thursday, July 10.

In his statement, Trump accused Brazil of “attacking” American technology companies and described the legal actions against Bolsonaro as a “witch hunt.” Bolsonaro currently faces trial for allegedly attempting to overturn the results of Brazil's 2022 presidential election.

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva responded firmly, warning that Brazil would take retaliatory measures if the U.S. imposed additional tariffs. He also criticized Trump's comments as an attempt to interfere in Brazil’s judicial system.

“We will not tolerate interference from anyone,” Lula said. “No one is above the law.”

Tensions between the two leaders escalated last week when Trump called the trial against Bolsonaro an “international disgrace,” a comment that Bolsonaro publicly welcomed.

According to the BBC, Trump’s threat against Brazil comes amid a broader move to impose new tariffs on 22 countries, including key U.S. trade partners such as Japan, South Korea, and Sri Lanka. However, the proposed 50% tariff on Brazilian imports is notably higher than the 10% rate previously suggested and stands out as the steepest among the new measures.