Trump Imposes 50% Tariff on Brazil, Blasts Bolsonaro Trial as ‘Witch-Hunt’

Report by “Safarti Tarjuman” International News Desk

New York: In a bold escalation of trade tensions, U.S. President Donald Trump on Wednesday imposed a 50% tariff on Brazilian exports, directly linking the move to ongoing legal proceedings against former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro. The decision, announced on Truth Social, comes amid Trump’s broader push for trade penalties against several nations.

The decision, announced via a statement on Trump’s Truth Social platform, comes amid heightened concerns over the U.S. administration’s aggressive tariff policy, which critics say could worsen inflation and trigger global trade instability.

“This trial should not be taking place. It is a witch-hunt that should end immediately,” Trump said in a letter addressed to Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, posted online.

While Trump has imposed tariffs on other nations this week, including the Philippines, Algeria, Sri Lanka, and Moldova, his statement on Brazil took a more personal tone. Trump, who previously hosted Bolsonaro at his Mar-a-Lago resort, reiterated his support for the former Brazilian leader and condemned the charges brought against him.

The 50% tariff on Brazilian goods, set to take effect on August 1, is positioned as separate from broader sectoral tariffs.

Responding swiftly, President Lula rejected both Trump’s accusations and the legitimacy of the tariff, asserting Brazil’s judicial independence and sovereignty.

He emphasized that Bolsonaro’s case falls under the jurisdiction of Brazil’s judicial system and is not subject to external influence. Lula also dismissed Trump’s assertion of a U.S.-Brazil trade imbalance, noting that no such deficit currently exists.

Trump also criticized Brazil’s efforts to regulate social media, calling recent fines and content restrictions imposed on U.S. platforms like Twitter/X a form of censorship. He announced an investigation under Section 301 of the U.S. Trade Act of 1974, citing unfair practices.

Lula, however, defended Brazil’s stance, saying regulations are in place to fight hate speech, racism, child exploitation, and disinformation.

This latest tariff comes as Trump prepares to implement a sweeping series of trade penalties across dozens of countries, with some duties reaching up to 40%. Many analysts have expressed concerns that these measures could disrupt global supply chains and worsen price pressures in the U.S.

Earlier this week, Trump postponed the implementation of tariffs until August 1, giving countries a final window to negotiate trade concessions.

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