President Trump has declared a 50% tariff on all imports from Brazil, set to take effect August 1, in response to Brazil’s “insidious attacks” on free elections, freedom of speech, and the digital trade sector.
President Trump has declared a 50% tariff on all imports from Brazil, set to take effect August 1, in response to what he described as Brazil’s “insidious attacks” on free elections, freedom of speech, and the digital trade sector.
In a letter sent Tuesday to President Lula, Trump condemned Brazil’s treatment of former President Jair Bolsonaro, calling his prosecution a “Witch Hunt” and an “international disgrace.” Trump referenced “hundreds of secret and unlawful censorship orders” issued by Brazil’s Supreme Court targeting U.S. social media companies, and accused the court of threatening those platforms with massive fines and eviction.
“These tariffs are necessary to correct the many years of Brazil’s Tariff, and Non-Tariff, Policies and Trade Barriers,” Trump wrote. “This Deficit is a major threat to our Economy and, indeed, our National Security!”
The letter also warned that goods transshipped to evade the new tariff would still be subject to the penalty. Trump said the 50% rate is “far less than what is needed to have the Level Playing Field we must have” and pledged to reverse course only if Brazil eliminates the offending policies or moves production to the U.S.
Citing Brazil’s “continued attacks on the Digital Trade activities of American Companies,” Trump said he has ordered U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer to initiate a Section 301 investigation into Brazil’s practices.
“These Tariffs may be modified, upward or downward, depending on our relationship with your Country,” Trump added.
