President Trump is pictured at the Salute to America Celebration at the Iowa State Fairgrounds in Des Moines on July 3.
Andrew Caballero-Reynolds/AFP via Getty Images
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Andrew Caballero-Reynolds/AFP via Getty Images
President Trump announced a 50% tariff on all Brazilian products entering the U.S. starting August 1, deviating from his usual tariff letters.
The letter to Brazil focused on Brazilian politics, specifically addressing the treatment of former President Jair Bolsonaro.
Bolsonaro is currently facing allegations of planning a coup to remain in power after losing to Lula da Silva in 2022.
Trump expressed support for Bolsonaro in the letter, criticizing the treatment of the former president in Brazil.
Following the BRICS summit, da Silva responded to Trump’s tariff threat, emphasizing sovereignty and criticizing online threats.
Trump’s tariff letters stem from the global tariffs announced in April, with a 90-day “pause” in place until July 9.
Despite the deadline extension to August 1, only two tariff deals have been announced, with Trump resorting to posting letters.
The proposed 50% tariff on Brazil contrasts with the previous 10% tariff and does not address a trade deficit as the U.S. had a surplus with Brazil in 2024.
