Donald Trump imposes 50% tariff on Brazil, calls Jair Bolsonaro’s trial a ‘witch hunt’
In a letter to President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, Trump described the treatment of Bolsonaro as an “international disgrace”
US President Donald Trump on Wednesday announced a 50 per cent tariff on all Brazilian products starting August 1, calling the trial of former president Jair Bolsonaro a “Witch Hunt” and an “international disgrace.”
Trump said he knew and worked with former president Jair Bolsonaro, whom he held in high esteem, and added that many other world leaders viewed him similarly during his time in office.
“I knew and dealt with former President Jair Bolsonaro, and respected him greatly, as did most other Leaders of Countries. The way that Brazil has treated former President Bolsonaro, a Highly Respected Leader throughout the World during his Term, including by the United States, is an international disgrace. This Trial should not be taking place. It is a Witch Hunt that should end IMMEDIATELY!” Trump wrote in a letter to Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva.
Trump accuses Brazil of undermining free elections
Trump accused Brazil of undermining free elections and American free speech through secret censorship orders. He said a 50 per cent tariff on all Brazilian goods would begin August 1, with rerouted shipments also facing the same duty.
“Due in part to Brazil's insidious attacks on Free Elections, and the fundamental Free Speech Rights of Americans (as lately illustrated by the Brazilian Supreme Court, which has issued hundreds of SECRET and UNLAWFUL Censorship Orders to U.S. Social Media platforms, threatening them with Millions of Dollars in Fines and Eviction from the Brazilian Social Media market), starting on August 1, 2025, we will charge Brazil a Tariff of 50% on any and all Brazilian products sent into the United States, separate from all Sectoral Tariffs. Goods transshipped to evade this 50% Tariff will be subject to that higher Tariff,” reads the letter shared by Trump on Truth Social.
Trump said that after years of talks, the US needs to fix the unfair trade balance with Brazil, allegedly caused by its tariffs and trade barriers. He said the 50 per cent tariff is a step toward fairer trade and is needed because of issues with Brazil’s current government.
“Please understand that the 50% number is far less than what is needed to have the Level Playing Field we must have with your Country. And it is necessary to have this to rectify the grave injustices of the current regime,” the US President added.
