Trump Announces 50% Tariff on Brazilian Goods Over Bolsonaro Trial

Trump Announces 50% Tariff on Brazilian Goods Over Bolsonaro Trial

[Washington | July 10, 2025]

President Donald Trump made an explosive announcement on Wednesday, declaring a 50% tariff on imports from Brazil. The primary reason behind the move, he said, is the ongoing trial of former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro. Trump labeled the trial a "witch hunt" and said it must stop.

Calling Bolsonaro a ‘Friend’ and Sending a Direct Political Message

In an open letter published on Truth Social, Trump wrote:

“This trial should not be happening. It is a witch hunt that must end immediately.”

The statement once again highlights how Trump’s trade policy is often driven less by economic logic and more by personal relationships and political preferences.

Analysts note that Trump, who himself is facing charges related to efforts to overturn the 2020 U.S. election results, has shown strong sympathy for Bolsonaro, possibly due to shared political experiences.

Lula’s Strong Response: “Brazil Will Not Allow Interference in Our Justice System”

Trump’s letter was addressed to Brazil’s current President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, who defeated Bolsonaro in the 2022 elections. Lula issued a stern response, stating:

“Brazil is a sovereign country with an independent judiciary, and we will not allow anyone to undermine our dignity.”

He warned that Brazil may reassess its trade and intellectual property agreements with the United States. Lula also pointed out that over the past 15 years, the U.S. has run a trade surplus of $410 billion with Brazil.

Bolsonaro's Influence Behind the Tariff Decision?

Members of Brazil’s ruling party and lawmakers close to Lula believe that Bolsonaro and his family—particularly his sons Eduardo and Flávio—have exerted secret influence over Trump’s decision.

Senator Lindbergh Farias commented:

“The Bolsonaro family is probably thrilled to see Brazil’s economy and jobs being sabotaged.”

Supreme Court and Social Media in the Crosshairs

In his letter, Trump also criticized Brazil’s Supreme Court and accused it of imposing “illegal censorship” on social media companies. While he didn’t mention Elon Musk’s platform X (formerly Twitter) by name, the implication was clear.

Trump announced that an investigation would be launched under Section 301 of the 1974 Trade Act.

New U.S. Tariff Policy: Not Just Brazil

Besides Brazil, Trump also imposed new tariffs on goods from seven other countries: the Philippines, Brunei, Moldova, Algeria, Libya, Iraq, and Sri Lanka.

The new tariff rates are as follows:

• Libya, Iraq, Algeria, Sri Lanka: 30%

• Moldova, Brunei: 25%

• Philippines: 20%

All tariffs are set to take effect on August 1, 2025.

In 2024, the U.S. had a $6.8 billion trade surplus with Brazil, making this move potentially self-damaging for the American economy.

Trump’s Message Is Clear:

“If you treat me as a friend, I won’t impose tariffs on you. To everyone else, my message is simple—if you want to fight, trade ends.”