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In a letter shared on his Truth Social platform, Trump directly addressed Brazil's current president, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, defending Bolsonaro as a "Highly Respected Leader" who is being subjected to a political witch hunt.
Trump made it clear the tariff was also a response to Brazil’s trade policies.(Photo: Reuters)
New Delhi,UPDATED: Jul 10, 2025 03:22 IST
US President Donald Trump on Wednesday announced a sweeping 50% tariff on Brazilian imports, citing what he called the “international disgrace” of Brazil’s treatment of its former president and his political ally, Jair Bolsonaro.
In a letter shared on his Truth Social platform, Trump directly addressed Brazil’s current president, Luiz Incio Lula da Silva, defending Bolsonaro as a “Highly Respected Leader” who is being subjected to a political witch hunt.
“The way Brazil has treated former President Bolsonaro is an international disgrace,” Trump wrote, referring to Bolsonaro’s ongoing trial over attempts to overturn his 2022 election defeat. “This trial should not be taking place.” Bolsonaro, who has been dubbed the “Trump of the Tropics,” remains a divisive figure in Brazil, currently facing legal scrutiny over his alleged role in plotting to overturn his election loss.
The letter diverged dramatically from standard trade correspondence, blending economic grievances with fiery political rhetoric. Trump accused the Brazilian government not just of unfair trade practices, but of undermining democratic values, going so far as to claim that Brazil’s actions represent “insidious attacks on Free Elections, and the fundamental Free Speech Rights of Americans.”
He also took aim at what he characterised as censorship of US social media platforms by Brazilian authorities, without elaborating on specific incidents.
TRUMP BLAMES UNFAIR TRADE FOR BRAZIL TARIFF
Trump made it clear the tariff was also a response to Brazil’s trade policies.
“We have had years to discuss our Trading Relationship with Brazil,” Trump wrote, “and have concluded that we must move away from the longstanding, and very unfair trade relationship engendered by Brazil’s Tariff, and Non-Tariff, Policies and Trade Barriers.”
The president insisted the 50% figure was modest. “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,” he added.
Brazil's real tumbles over 2% after Trump slaps 50% tariff to Brazilian goods
Brazil's real currency added to earlier losses to fall over 2% against the dollar late on Wednesday after Trump said his administration will slap Brazil with a 50% tariff on products sent to the U.S. "separate from all sectoral tariffs" starting August 1.
- Ends
With inputs from Agencies
Published By:
Satyam Singh
Published On:
Jul 10, 2025
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