Trump Hits Brazil with Tariffs Over Bolsonaro Trial
President Trump has imposed steep 50% tariffs on most Brazilian imports and sanctioned Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes, referencing “serious human rights abuses” linked to the prosecution of ex-president Jair Bolsonaro. The White House accused Moraes of leading a “politically motivated witch hunt,” a reference to Brazil’s investigation into Bolsonaro’s alleged coup plot following his 2022 election loss. Trump’s announcement of the tariffs, which comes just ahead of his August 1st trade policy deadline, excludes key Brazilian exports like aircraft, orange juice, and energy products, but hits beef and coffee hard.
The sanctions on Moraes prompted immediate backlash from Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, who slammed them as “unacceptable” interference in Brazil’s justice system. Lula warned that while Brazil is open to trade negotiations, it won’t hesitate to defend itself, hinting at possible retaliation. Despite the tension, Brazil’s foreign ministry stressed that Bolsonaro’s legal troubles weren’t up for debate and described the tariffs as unjustifiable and politically charged.
This latest escalation follows weeks of heated exchanges, with Trump previously accusing Brazil of attacking U.S. tech firms and shielding social media platforms accused of spreading disinformation. Meanwhile, U.S. companies breathed a partial sigh of relief due to the exemptions, though Brazilian exporters, especially in meat and coffee, braced for billion-dollar losses. Trump’s broader trade blitz also included fresh tariffs on copper imports and a crackdown on duty-free packages, signaling an aggressive new phase in U.S. trade policy.
