Former US President Donald Trump has declared a 50% tariff on all imports from Brazil, effective August 1, and has strongly criticized the ongoing trial of former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, calling it a ‘witch hunt.’ In a letter addressed to Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, Trump expressed his respect for Bolsonaro, stating that the trial should not be taking place. The tariffs are, in part, a response to what Trump perceives as Brazil’s actions against free elections and free speech, particularly the Brazilian Supreme Court’s alleged censorship orders targeting US social media platforms. Trump also announced tariffs on several other nations, including Sri Lanka, Algeria, Iraq, Libya, the Philippines, Moldova, and Brunei, with varying rates. These tariffs are scheduled to begin August 1, 2025. Trump has also threatened to escalate the tariffs if these countries increase their own tariffs on American goods.
