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

US President Donald Trump announced on Wednesday his intention to implement a 50% tariff on Brazilian imports, partially responding to what he terms a “witch hunt” against his political ally, former Brazil President Jair Bolsonaro, who faces coup-related charges.Trump’s letter addressed to President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva stated the tariffs would commence 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 further indicated the 50% tariff was essential to “have the Level Playing Field we must have with your Country” and “to rectify the grave injustices of the current regime.”

Notably, The US has historically maintained a trade surplus with Brazil, including a $650 million surplus during the first quarter of 2025, within $20 billion of bilateral trade, according to the American Chamber of Commerce for Brazil, quoted by NYT.The letter also cited “SECRET and UNLAWFUL Censorship Orders to UA Social Media platforms” and announced a trade investigation into Brazil regarding “continued attacks on the Digital Trade activities of American Companies.”Brazilian Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes, who oversees the Bolsonaro case, has directed tech companies to remove numerous accounts allegedly threatening Brazilian democracy, making him a significant target for right-wing critics in both countries.Trump publicly opposed the criminal proceedings against Bolsonaro on Monday as well, concerning the former president’s attempts to retain power 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 further 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 announced a fresh round of steep import tariffs on several countries, apart from a 50 per cent duty on Brazil. Other affected nations include the Philippines, Brunei, Moldova, Algeria, Libya, Iraq, and Sri Lanka, with tariffs ranging from 20 to 30 per cent. These will take effect from August 1, 2025.This move followed Monday’s release of tariff letters to 14 countries, including Japan, South Korea, and South Africa, with duties between 25 and 40 per cent. Trump’s total list now spans over 20 countries, targeting what he calls “non-reciprocal” trade practices.The rollout marks a shift from Trump’s earlier “Liberation Day” announcements via visual boards to formal, if unusually styled, letters. He called the written approach “more powerful” and effective.While the Trump administration positions the sweeping duties as a correction to unfair trade imbalances, analysts warn of risks to global supply chains and heightened diplomatic tensions.Read more: Donald Trump fires new tariff salvo! Letters to more countries released; Brazil, Iraq, Sri Lanka & others to face up to 50% duties