Former U.S. President Donald Trump announced plans to impose a 50% tariff on Brazilian imports, citing concerns over the prosecution of former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro. Two-way trade between the U.S. and Brazil reached $92 billion in 2024, making Brazil the 12th-largest U.S. trading partner. Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva warned of retaliation, affirming Brazil’s sovereignty. The proposed tariffs are part of a broader escalation, with Trump also announcing 50% tariffs on copper imports starting in August and considering 200% tariffs on pharmaceuticals later this year. The Trump administration extended its tariff pause to August 1, after initially setting a July 9 deadline.
President Donald Trump said he is considering 50% tariffs on imports from Brazil over the country’s prosecution of its former president, Jair Bolsonaro.
Trump accused the Brazilian government of conducting a “witch-hunt” against Bolsonaro, who is under investigation for allegedly attempting to overturn his 2022 election defeat.
“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!” — Donald Trump, posted Wednesday on Truth Social
Brazil–U.S. trade and economic exposure
Brazil is the 12th largest U.S. trading partner, with two-way trade totaling around $92 billion in 2024, from the U.S. Census Bureau.
The U.S. exports aerospace goods, petroleum, crude oil, coal, and semiconductors to Brazil, while importing crude oil, coffee, and steel and iron.
Retaliation warning and sovereign stance
Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva said on Wednesday that his government is prepared to retaliate if Trump imposes tariffs on goods from his country.
“Brazil is a sovereign nation with independent institutions and will not accept any form of tutelage,” — Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, president of Brazil, in a statement posted to social media platform X
Broader tariff escalation timeline
The Trump administration also began sending letters on Monday to dozens of U.S. trade partners that higher import tariffs could kick in by August, including Japan and South Korea.
Trump’s 90-day pause on the April 2 “reciprocal” tariffs was set to end Wednesday, but was delayed to Aug. 1 to allow more time for negotiations.
The latest round of tariff letters sent Wednesday includes Sri Lanka, Algeria, Brunei, Iraq, Libya, Moldova and the Philippines.
Industry response and logistics impact
Mike Short, president of global forwarding at C.H. Robinson, said shippers are revaluating inventory and frontloading needs amid all the ongoing tariff changes.
“Some shippers rushed to move freight before the previous July 9 deadline, while others cut it too close or weren’t able to ramp up production in time,” — Mike Short, president of global forwarding at C.H. Robinson
“The extension gives nearly a month of breathing room, but that’s not enough for most ocean shipments, which takes 20 to 30 days on average — and capacity could tighten as we approach peak retail season.”
Additional tariff proposals
Trump said he is also placing a 50% tariff on imports of copin August, and is considering a 200% tariff on imported pharmaceutical products later this year.
Upcoming FreightWaves Events
- Supply Chain AI Symposium: July 15, 2026 at The Old Post • Chicago, IL — Register Now
- F3: Future of Freight Festival: October 27–28, 2026 at The Signal at Chattanooga Choo Choo • Chattanooga, TN — Register Now
Source: FreightWaves
Compiled from international media by the SCI.AI editorial team.
