Trump plans steep 50% Tariff on Brazilian imports

July 10, 2025 (MLN): Former U.S. President Donald Trump intends to impose a hefty 50% tariff on goods imported from Brazil, sharply raising the stakes in his ongoing clash with the South American nation.

Trump announced the proposed measure through a letter released on social media, accusing Brazil of targeting U.S. tech firms and conducting what he described as a “witch hunt” against ex-President Jair Bolsonaro, who is currently on trial for allegedly trying to subvert Brazil’s 2022 election results.

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva swiftly pushed back, warning in a social media post that any tariff hikes would be met with reciprocal measures.

Lula also reiterated that Brazil’s judicial system would not tolerate outside interference. Earlier this week, Lula emphasized that “no one is above the law,” underscoring his administration’s commitment to prosecuting any attempts to undermine Brazilian democracy.

The tension comes amid broader trade moves by Trump, who on Wednesday confirmed that a previously announced 50% tariff on copper imports would take effect on August 1, citing national security concerns.

Over the past week, he has issued letters to more than 20 countries, including Japan, South Korea and Sri Lanka, outlining new duties that largely revive proposals floated earlier this year but delayed after rattling global markets.

However, the sharp tariff threat against Brazil stood out as particularly severe, jumping from a previously proposed 10% rate.

Trump justified the steep increase as necessary to counter what he termed “grave injustices of the current regime,” adding that he would direct the U.S. Trade Representative to initiate a Section 301 probe into Brazil’s digital trade rules, a formal step often preceding punitive tariffs.

Trump’s letter accused Brazil of censoring American social media platforms and attacking free speech, noting that his own company, Trump Media, is among several U.S. firms entangled in Brazilian court disputes over content moderation.

Brazil has also clashed with Elon Musk’s X, formerly Twitter, temporarily banning it for refusing to suspend accounts accused of spreading disinformation about the 2022 election.

Last month, Brazil’s Supreme Court ruled that social media companies could be held liable for user posts—a decision that alarmed many tech executives.

Trump voiced strong support for Bolsonaro, calling the ongoing prosecution of Brazil’s former leader an “international disgrace” and highlighting their close ties during their overlapping terms.

Bolsonaro, often dubbed the “Trump of the Tropics,” is facing charges for allegedly encouraging the storming of government buildings in Brasília by thousands of supporters contesting Lula’s election victory.

Earlier this week, Trump drew parallels between Bolsonaro’s legal troubles and his own, claiming both faced politically motivated attacks. Bolsonaro publicly thanked Trump for his backing.

Adding fuel to the spat, Trump aimed for the recent BRICS summit in Rio de Janeiro, labeling the bloc, which counts Brazil among its members—as “anti-American” and vowing an extra 10% levy on goods from its nations.

Lula dismissed Trump’s threats in remarks on Monday, saying, “He needs to understand the world has changed. We have no use for an emperor.”

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