Australia news LIVE: Erin Patterson found guilty in Victorian mushroom trial; RBA tipped to deliver fastest interest cut rate since beginning of COVID-19 pandemic
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7.56am
Zoo to reopen after lion attack
By Emily Kowal
A Queensland zoo will reopen today after a woman's arm was ripped off by a lion over the weekend.
Darling Downs Zoo in Pilton, near Toowoomba, made headlines on Sunday after a woman in her 50s was attacked.
The victim, who remains stable in hospital, lost an arm in the attack that has shocked staff and the local community where the family-owned park has operated since 2005.
The owners of a zoo said they are yet to determine what led to the attack.
In a Facebook post, the zoo said the woman, who is a relative of the owners but not a staff member, remained in hospital 'and is surrounded by members of our extended family'.
'It has still not been possible to interview her to establish what led to this tragic incident,' read the statement.
The zoo said the woman was bitten by a lioness in an attack that did not take place inside the animal's enclosure.
'It was not hungry, skinny, taunted or tortured – it is a lion,' the zoo said.
'It comes from a long line of captive-born lions in Australia, but it is still a lion – not a pet.'
The lion will not be put down.
7.46am
'Nothing has changed for Australia': Minister on Trump tariffs
By Emily Kowal
Employment and Workplace Relations Minister Amanda Rishworth has weighed in on the latest Trump tariff saga after US President Donald Trump sent letters to countries overnight announcing further tariffs.
Speaking to Today, Rishworth said 'nothing has changed for Australia'.
'When it comes to what Donald Trump is calling reciprocal tariffs, we're getting the lowest level that any other country has had,' she said.
Australia was hit with a 10 per cent tariff on all exports to the US back in April.
'So some of the letters that you've seen overnight are suggesting reciprocal tariffs of 25 per cent. We are already at the lowest level, but of course, we will keep putting forward the case to say that we don't think any tariffs are justified,' Rishworth said.
Liberal senator James Paterson, also on Today, said the only fair tariff on Australia would be 'zero per cent', but said Australia hasn't 'given ourselves the best chance of securing that from the Trump administration'.
'The prime minister has not even met President Trump, now seven months after he was elected, in stark contrast to other world leaders like the UK prime minister, who did secure an exemption from steel and aluminium tariffs because he did form that personal relationship with President Trump,' Paterson said.
'I really hope the prime minister doesn't leave it any longer before he forms that relationship.'
6.56am
De Minaur's Wimbledon campaign ends in disappointment
By Marc McGowan
Australia's hopes of a Wimbledon win have been toppled after Australian Alex de Minaur's loss to Novak Djokovic.
With Roger Federer watching from the royal box, Australia's perennially underestimated tennis torchbearer returned to Wimbledon's centre court for the showdown he was supposed to have 12 months ago – and fell agonisingly short.
Read how it played out here.
6.47am
Are rate cuts coming? Australia awaits RBA decision
By Millie Muroi and Shane Wright
All eyes will be on the Reserve Bank this afternoon with RBA governor Michele Bullock expected to deliver its fastest cut in interest rates since the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic.
On a $600,000 mortgage, a rate cut on Tuesday would be worth $100 a month and take the monthly savings since the Reserve Bank started easing monetary policy in February to $300.
However, not all economists are convinced the RBA will cut rates.
Betashares chief economist David Bassanese said the bank could wait until the next quarter inflation report, due to be released at the end of the month, to get a better handle on how the economy was performing.
6.38am
This morning's top stories at a glance
By Emily Kowal
Good morning and welcome to today's national news blog. My name is Emily Kowal, and I will be taking you through today's top stories.
It's Tuesday, July 8.
Here's what is making news this morning.
Erin Patterson has spent her first night behind bars after she was found guilty in the mushroom murder case. Our reporters take you inside the evidence we couldn't publish during the trial, including the moment Erin Patterson lost her cool, and where the unlikely murder weapon was found.
In the United States, President Donald Trump has unveiled a raft of new 25 per cent tariffs. Find out which countries are impacted here.
The Reserve Bank is tipped to deliver its fastest interest rate cut since the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic.
NSW Police will drop some of the charges laid against former Greens candidate Hannah Thomas after a review found officers incorrectly sought to use extraordinary emergency powers introduced to quell major riots.
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The Advertiser
42 minutes ago
- The Advertiser
Universities, arts face cuts under anti-Semitism plan
Australian universities and cultural institutions could have their funding withheld as part of a sweeping plan to clamp down on anti-Semitism. The Special Envoy to Combat Anti-Semitism Jillian Segal has produced a report saying that cultural and educational spaces, specifically university campuses, are places where Jewish Australians suffered discrimination. As a result, its recommendations call on the federal government to work with Ms Segal to withhold funding from universities, programs or individuals within universities that facilitate, enable or fail to act against anti-Semitism. Public grants for university centres and academics could also be terminated if recipients engage in "anti-Semitic or otherwise discriminatory or hateful speech or actions". "Universities will continue to be held accountable," Ms Segal told reporters in Sydney as she delivered her findings to the federal government. "When my report speaks of education ... it is not just about education on the history of the Middle East or education about anti-Semitism, it is education about how to have civil dialogue and we've lost that." About 60 per cent of Australian Jewish students who experienced anti-Semitism in 2024 felt unsupported by their institutions, according to a survey by the Australian Union of Jewish Students referred to in Ms Segal's report. Cultural institutions, broadcasters and artists also featured, as the report recommended governments ensure public funding isn't used to support or implicitly endorse anti-Semitism themes or narratives. It suggests terms in agreements to allow funding to be pulled from institutions or festivals that promote, facilitate or don't "effectively deal with" hate or anti-Semitism. There are some concerns that the plan could stifle legitimate criticism of Israel, whose violence in Gaza - in the wake of the October 7, 2024, killings of Israeli citizens by Hamas - has resulted in the deaths of more than 57,000 Palestinians. A slew of Australian arts bodies, including the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, the State Library of Australia and Creative Australia, faced backlash after revoking opportunities from artists who had been outspoken critics of Israel. And the report recommended that higher education institutions and all levels of government adopt the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance's controversial definition of anti-Semitism, which has been criticised for conflating criticism of Israel and Zionism with anti-Semitism. When asked about scrutiny of Israel, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said that people had a right to their perspectives but did not have a right to bring conflict to Australia. "Whatever your view on the Middle East, it is not advanced by attacking people here in Australia because of who they are, because of their faith, because of their identity - it's completely unacceptable," he told reporters in Sydney, standing alongside Ms Segal. "The kind of hatred and violence that we've seen on our streets recently is despicable, and it won't be tolerated." He welcomed her plan, but noted the government and society would need to collaborate to ensure anti-Semitism was "pushed to the margins". Ms Segal's report has been in the works since her July 2024 appointment, which itself was a response to a rise in anti-Semitism following the October 7 attacks. An East Melbourne synagogue was set alight on Friday night, seven months after a firebombing at the Adass Israel Synagogue of Melbourne about 20 minutes away. There have been multiple incidents of vandalism at Jewish schools and synagogues, as well as a firebombing at the former home of a prominent community leader in Sydney in late 2024. According to the report, there was a 300 per cent rise in threats, vandalism and physical violence against Jewish Australians between October 2023 and September 2024, driven by offline and online extremist ideologies. But anti-Semitism had already been steadily rising in Australia prior to October 7. Federal Opposition Leader Sussan Ley has urged the prime minister to act on Ms Segal's recommendations. "This report shows anti-Semitism is not just a problem of security or law enforcement," she said. "It's a cultural and societal cancer that needs attention through our schools, universities, media, and even the arts." Australian universities and cultural institutions could have their funding withheld as part of a sweeping plan to clamp down on anti-Semitism. The Special Envoy to Combat Anti-Semitism Jillian Segal has produced a report saying that cultural and educational spaces, specifically university campuses, are places where Jewish Australians suffered discrimination. As a result, its recommendations call on the federal government to work with Ms Segal to withhold funding from universities, programs or individuals within universities that facilitate, enable or fail to act against anti-Semitism. Public grants for university centres and academics could also be terminated if recipients engage in "anti-Semitic or otherwise discriminatory or hateful speech or actions". "Universities will continue to be held accountable," Ms Segal told reporters in Sydney as she delivered her findings to the federal government. "When my report speaks of education ... it is not just about education on the history of the Middle East or education about anti-Semitism, it is education about how to have civil dialogue and we've lost that." About 60 per cent of Australian Jewish students who experienced anti-Semitism in 2024 felt unsupported by their institutions, according to a survey by the Australian Union of Jewish Students referred to in Ms Segal's report. Cultural institutions, broadcasters and artists also featured, as the report recommended governments ensure public funding isn't used to support or implicitly endorse anti-Semitism themes or narratives. It suggests terms in agreements to allow funding to be pulled from institutions or festivals that promote, facilitate or don't "effectively deal with" hate or anti-Semitism. There are some concerns that the plan could stifle legitimate criticism of Israel, whose violence in Gaza - in the wake of the October 7, 2024, killings of Israeli citizens by Hamas - has resulted in the deaths of more than 57,000 Palestinians. A slew of Australian arts bodies, including the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, the State Library of Australia and Creative Australia, faced backlash after revoking opportunities from artists who had been outspoken critics of Israel. And the report recommended that higher education institutions and all levels of government adopt the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance's controversial definition of anti-Semitism, which has been criticised for conflating criticism of Israel and Zionism with anti-Semitism. When asked about scrutiny of Israel, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said that people had a right to their perspectives but did not have a right to bring conflict to Australia. "Whatever your view on the Middle East, it is not advanced by attacking people here in Australia because of who they are, because of their faith, because of their identity - it's completely unacceptable," he told reporters in Sydney, standing alongside Ms Segal. "The kind of hatred and violence that we've seen on our streets recently is despicable, and it won't be tolerated." He welcomed her plan, but noted the government and society would need to collaborate to ensure anti-Semitism was "pushed to the margins". Ms Segal's report has been in the works since her July 2024 appointment, which itself was a response to a rise in anti-Semitism following the October 7 attacks. An East Melbourne synagogue was set alight on Friday night, seven months after a firebombing at the Adass Israel Synagogue of Melbourne about 20 minutes away. There have been multiple incidents of vandalism at Jewish schools and synagogues, as well as a firebombing at the former home of a prominent community leader in Sydney in late 2024. According to the report, there was a 300 per cent rise in threats, vandalism and physical violence against Jewish Australians between October 2023 and September 2024, driven by offline and online extremist ideologies. But anti-Semitism had already been steadily rising in Australia prior to October 7. Federal Opposition Leader Sussan Ley has urged the prime minister to act on Ms Segal's recommendations. "This report shows anti-Semitism is not just a problem of security or law enforcement," she said. "It's a cultural and societal cancer that needs attention through our schools, universities, media, and even the arts." Australian universities and cultural institutions could have their funding withheld as part of a sweeping plan to clamp down on anti-Semitism. The Special Envoy to Combat Anti-Semitism Jillian Segal has produced a report saying that cultural and educational spaces, specifically university campuses, are places where Jewish Australians suffered discrimination. As a result, its recommendations call on the federal government to work with Ms Segal to withhold funding from universities, programs or individuals within universities that facilitate, enable or fail to act against anti-Semitism. Public grants for university centres and academics could also be terminated if recipients engage in "anti-Semitic or otherwise discriminatory or hateful speech or actions". "Universities will continue to be held accountable," Ms Segal told reporters in Sydney as she delivered her findings to the federal government. "When my report speaks of education ... it is not just about education on the history of the Middle East or education about anti-Semitism, it is education about how to have civil dialogue and we've lost that." About 60 per cent of Australian Jewish students who experienced anti-Semitism in 2024 felt unsupported by their institutions, according to a survey by the Australian Union of Jewish Students referred to in Ms Segal's report. Cultural institutions, broadcasters and artists also featured, as the report recommended governments ensure public funding isn't used to support or implicitly endorse anti-Semitism themes or narratives. It suggests terms in agreements to allow funding to be pulled from institutions or festivals that promote, facilitate or don't "effectively deal with" hate or anti-Semitism. There are some concerns that the plan could stifle legitimate criticism of Israel, whose violence in Gaza - in the wake of the October 7, 2024, killings of Israeli citizens by Hamas - has resulted in the deaths of more than 57,000 Palestinians. A slew of Australian arts bodies, including the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, the State Library of Australia and Creative Australia, faced backlash after revoking opportunities from artists who had been outspoken critics of Israel. And the report recommended that higher education institutions and all levels of government adopt the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance's controversial definition of anti-Semitism, which has been criticised for conflating criticism of Israel and Zionism with anti-Semitism. When asked about scrutiny of Israel, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said that people had a right to their perspectives but did not have a right to bring conflict to Australia. "Whatever your view on the Middle East, it is not advanced by attacking people here in Australia because of who they are, because of their faith, because of their identity - it's completely unacceptable," he told reporters in Sydney, standing alongside Ms Segal. "The kind of hatred and violence that we've seen on our streets recently is despicable, and it won't be tolerated." He welcomed her plan, but noted the government and society would need to collaborate to ensure anti-Semitism was "pushed to the margins". Ms Segal's report has been in the works since her July 2024 appointment, which itself was a response to a rise in anti-Semitism following the October 7 attacks. An East Melbourne synagogue was set alight on Friday night, seven months after a firebombing at the Adass Israel Synagogue of Melbourne about 20 minutes away. There have been multiple incidents of vandalism at Jewish schools and synagogues, as well as a firebombing at the former home of a prominent community leader in Sydney in late 2024. According to the report, there was a 300 per cent rise in threats, vandalism and physical violence against Jewish Australians between October 2023 and September 2024, driven by offline and online extremist ideologies. But anti-Semitism had already been steadily rising in Australia prior to October 7. Federal Opposition Leader Sussan Ley has urged the prime minister to act on Ms Segal's recommendations. "This report shows anti-Semitism is not just a problem of security or law enforcement," she said. "It's a cultural and societal cancer that needs attention through our schools, universities, media, and even the arts." Australian universities and cultural institutions could have their funding withheld as part of a sweeping plan to clamp down on anti-Semitism. The Special Envoy to Combat Anti-Semitism Jillian Segal has produced a report saying that cultural and educational spaces, specifically university campuses, are places where Jewish Australians suffered discrimination. As a result, its recommendations call on the federal government to work with Ms Segal to withhold funding from universities, programs or individuals within universities that facilitate, enable or fail to act against anti-Semitism. Public grants for university centres and academics could also be terminated if recipients engage in "anti-Semitic or otherwise discriminatory or hateful speech or actions". "Universities will continue to be held accountable," Ms Segal told reporters in Sydney as she delivered her findings to the federal government. "When my report speaks of education ... it is not just about education on the history of the Middle East or education about anti-Semitism, it is education about how to have civil dialogue and we've lost that." About 60 per cent of Australian Jewish students who experienced anti-Semitism in 2024 felt unsupported by their institutions, according to a survey by the Australian Union of Jewish Students referred to in Ms Segal's report. Cultural institutions, broadcasters and artists also featured, as the report recommended governments ensure public funding isn't used to support or implicitly endorse anti-Semitism themes or narratives. It suggests terms in agreements to allow funding to be pulled from institutions or festivals that promote, facilitate or don't "effectively deal with" hate or anti-Semitism. There are some concerns that the plan could stifle legitimate criticism of Israel, whose violence in Gaza - in the wake of the October 7, 2024, killings of Israeli citizens by Hamas - has resulted in the deaths of more than 57,000 Palestinians. A slew of Australian arts bodies, including the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, the State Library of Australia and Creative Australia, faced backlash after revoking opportunities from artists who had been outspoken critics of Israel. And the report recommended that higher education institutions and all levels of government adopt the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance's controversial definition of anti-Semitism, which has been criticised for conflating criticism of Israel and Zionism with anti-Semitism. When asked about scrutiny of Israel, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said that people had a right to their perspectives but did not have a right to bring conflict to Australia. "Whatever your view on the Middle East, it is not advanced by attacking people here in Australia because of who they are, because of their faith, because of their identity - it's completely unacceptable," he told reporters in Sydney, standing alongside Ms Segal. "The kind of hatred and violence that we've seen on our streets recently is despicable, and it won't be tolerated." He welcomed her plan, but noted the government and society would need to collaborate to ensure anti-Semitism was "pushed to the margins". Ms Segal's report has been in the works since her July 2024 appointment, which itself was a response to a rise in anti-Semitism following the October 7 attacks. An East Melbourne synagogue was set alight on Friday night, seven months after a firebombing at the Adass Israel Synagogue of Melbourne about 20 minutes away. There have been multiple incidents of vandalism at Jewish schools and synagogues, as well as a firebombing at the former home of a prominent community leader in Sydney in late 2024. According to the report, there was a 300 per cent rise in threats, vandalism and physical violence against Jewish Australians between October 2023 and September 2024, driven by offline and online extremist ideologies. But anti-Semitism had already been steadily rising in Australia prior to October 7. Federal Opposition Leader Sussan Ley has urged the prime minister to act on Ms Segal's recommendations. "This report shows anti-Semitism is not just a problem of security or law enforcement," she said. "It's a cultural and societal cancer that needs attention through our schools, universities, media, and even the arts."
The Advertiser
43 minutes ago
- The Advertiser
Russia must make reparations for MH17, Australia says
Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong has called for Russia to make reparations for the 2014 downing of Malaysia Airlines flight MH17, after the European Court of Human Rights found Moscow responsible for the tragedy. The Strasbourg court on Wednesday found Russia failed to verify the target of a missile that shot down a Malaysia Airlines aircraft with 298 people on board over Ukraine's Donetsk region on July 17, 2014. The ECHR also said that Moscow failed to protect the lives of those on board the Boeing 777, which was en route from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur when it was hit by an anti-aircraft missile fired by pro-Russian rebels. All 298 people on board were killed, including 38 Australians, 96 Dutch nationals and four Germans. Russia denies responsibility for the incident. "We welcome the European Court of Human Rights' ruling that Russia is responsible for the downing of Flight MH17," Wong said on X, calling it a "historic moment for the 298 victims and their loved ones". In May, the council of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) also found Russia responsible for the aircraft's downing under international air law, in a case brought by Australia and the Netherlands. "This ruling follows the ICAO Council's decision in May that Russia is responsible and must negotiate with Australia and the Netherlands on full reparations," Wong said. "We again call upon Russia to face up to its responsibility and make reparations for this horrific act." The impact of the ECHR's decision is limited, as Russia does not recognise the court. Two Russians and a Ukrainian were sentenced in absentia to life imprisonment by a Dutch court in 2022 for murder in 298 cases. Russia continues to deny any responsibility and refuses to extradite the men. Russia was expelled from the Council of Europe following the 2022 invasion of Ukraine and is consequently no longer a member of the European Convention on Human Rights, which the court oversees. However, the court - which is independent of the European Union - can still rule on incidents that occurred up to six months after expulsion. Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong has called for Russia to make reparations for the 2014 downing of Malaysia Airlines flight MH17, after the European Court of Human Rights found Moscow responsible for the tragedy. The Strasbourg court on Wednesday found Russia failed to verify the target of a missile that shot down a Malaysia Airlines aircraft with 298 people on board over Ukraine's Donetsk region on July 17, 2014. The ECHR also said that Moscow failed to protect the lives of those on board the Boeing 777, which was en route from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur when it was hit by an anti-aircraft missile fired by pro-Russian rebels. All 298 people on board were killed, including 38 Australians, 96 Dutch nationals and four Germans. Russia denies responsibility for the incident. "We welcome the European Court of Human Rights' ruling that Russia is responsible for the downing of Flight MH17," Wong said on X, calling it a "historic moment for the 298 victims and their loved ones". In May, the council of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) also found Russia responsible for the aircraft's downing under international air law, in a case brought by Australia and the Netherlands. "This ruling follows the ICAO Council's decision in May that Russia is responsible and must negotiate with Australia and the Netherlands on full reparations," Wong said. "We again call upon Russia to face up to its responsibility and make reparations for this horrific act." The impact of the ECHR's decision is limited, as Russia does not recognise the court. Two Russians and a Ukrainian were sentenced in absentia to life imprisonment by a Dutch court in 2022 for murder in 298 cases. Russia continues to deny any responsibility and refuses to extradite the men. Russia was expelled from the Council of Europe following the 2022 invasion of Ukraine and is consequently no longer a member of the European Convention on Human Rights, which the court oversees. However, the court - which is independent of the European Union - can still rule on incidents that occurred up to six months after expulsion. Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong has called for Russia to make reparations for the 2014 downing of Malaysia Airlines flight MH17, after the European Court of Human Rights found Moscow responsible for the tragedy. The Strasbourg court on Wednesday found Russia failed to verify the target of a missile that shot down a Malaysia Airlines aircraft with 298 people on board over Ukraine's Donetsk region on July 17, 2014. The ECHR also said that Moscow failed to protect the lives of those on board the Boeing 777, which was en route from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur when it was hit by an anti-aircraft missile fired by pro-Russian rebels. All 298 people on board were killed, including 38 Australians, 96 Dutch nationals and four Germans. Russia denies responsibility for the incident. "We welcome the European Court of Human Rights' ruling that Russia is responsible for the downing of Flight MH17," Wong said on X, calling it a "historic moment for the 298 victims and their loved ones". In May, the council of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) also found Russia responsible for the aircraft's downing under international air law, in a case brought by Australia and the Netherlands. "This ruling follows the ICAO Council's decision in May that Russia is responsible and must negotiate with Australia and the Netherlands on full reparations," Wong said. "We again call upon Russia to face up to its responsibility and make reparations for this horrific act." The impact of the ECHR's decision is limited, as Russia does not recognise the court. Two Russians and a Ukrainian were sentenced in absentia to life imprisonment by a Dutch court in 2022 for murder in 298 cases. Russia continues to deny any responsibility and refuses to extradite the men. Russia was expelled from the Council of Europe following the 2022 invasion of Ukraine and is consequently no longer a member of the European Convention on Human Rights, which the court oversees. However, the court - which is independent of the European Union - can still rule on incidents that occurred up to six months after expulsion. Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong has called for Russia to make reparations for the 2014 downing of Malaysia Airlines flight MH17, after the European Court of Human Rights found Moscow responsible for the tragedy. The Strasbourg court on Wednesday found Russia failed to verify the target of a missile that shot down a Malaysia Airlines aircraft with 298 people on board over Ukraine's Donetsk region on July 17, 2014. The ECHR also said that Moscow failed to protect the lives of those on board the Boeing 777, which was en route from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur when it was hit by an anti-aircraft missile fired by pro-Russian rebels. All 298 people on board were killed, including 38 Australians, 96 Dutch nationals and four Germans. Russia denies responsibility for the incident. "We welcome the European Court of Human Rights' ruling that Russia is responsible for the downing of Flight MH17," Wong said on X, calling it a "historic moment for the 298 victims and their loved ones". In May, the council of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) also found Russia responsible for the aircraft's downing under international air law, in a case brought by Australia and the Netherlands. "This ruling follows the ICAO Council's decision in May that Russia is responsible and must negotiate with Australia and the Netherlands on full reparations," Wong said. "We again call upon Russia to face up to its responsibility and make reparations for this horrific act." The impact of the ECHR's decision is limited, as Russia does not recognise the court. Two Russians and a Ukrainian were sentenced in absentia to life imprisonment by a Dutch court in 2022 for murder in 298 cases. Russia continues to deny any responsibility and refuses to extradite the men. Russia was expelled from the Council of Europe following the 2022 invasion of Ukraine and is consequently no longer a member of the European Convention on Human Rights, which the court oversees. However, the court - which is independent of the European Union - can still rule on incidents that occurred up to six months after expulsion.
West Australian
an hour ago
- West Australian
THE NEW YORK TIMES: Donald Trump's trade offensive aims to settle score with countries, no matter their size
US President Donald Trump added Wednesday evening US time to his growing list of countries that would face steep tariffs in the coming weeks if they fail to reach trade agreements with the United States, as he threatens to drag nations large and small into his trade war. On his social media account, the President posted form letters informing countries, including the Philippines, Sri Lanka, Moldova, Brunei, Libya, Iraq and Algeria, that they should prepare for double-digit tariff rates. Except for the name of the country and the tariff rate, the letters were identical to those he posted Monday, which targeted 14 nations. Later Wednesday afternoon, Mr Trump issued another threat to impose a 50 per cent tariff on products from Brazil. His letter implied that the higher rate was partly in response to what Mr Trump described as a 'witch hunt' against former President Jair Bolsonaro, who is facing trial for attempting a coup. Later that evening, Mr Trump escalated his tariff plans further, saying he would begin imposing a 50 per cent tariff on imported copper as of Aug. 1. The President said he was taking action because copper, which the United States imports from Chile, Canada and other countries, is crucial for national defence. The price of US copper futures has soared since Mr Trump mentioned he was planning a 50 per cent tariff during a Cabinet meeting at the White House on Tuesday. Brazil and the other trading partners that Mr Trump targeted Wednesday join a growing list of countries that will face additional tariffs Aug 1, including Japan and South Korea. The President's renewed threats against both large and small trading partners suggests that he is hewing to a global tariff strategy he announced in early April that punishes countries broadly for a variety of trading practices and policies he has deemed unfair. In issuing his threat to Brazil, which was more sharply worded than the previous form letters, Mr Trump cited the country'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 US Social Media platforms, threatening them with Millions of Dollars in Fines and Eviction from the Brazilian Social Media market).' As part of his attack, Mr Trump also directed his trade representative, Jamieson Greer, to begin investigating Brazil's digital trade policies, which could result in further tariffs. This week's threats essentially seek to replace steep tariffs the President announced in April, when he singled out roughly 60 countries that sell more goods to the United States than they buy from it. He said that those trade imbalances were evidence that foreign countries had long mistreated the United States, an assertion economists have criticised. The President had originally set July 8 as the last day for countries to sign trade deals with the United States to avoid those tariffs. At the urging of some of his advisers, on Monday he pushed the deadline back to Aug. 1. Many countries are racing to try to sign trade deals, including major trading partners like the European Union and India. In April, Peter Navarro, the President's top trade adviser, promised to sign 90 trade deals in 90 days. But it remains impractical for the United States to negotiate simultaneously with all of the countries the President has threatened with tariffs, something he acknowledged at the White House on Tuesday. 'We can't meet with 200 countries,' he said. Though some investors have doubted whether Mr Trump would follow through with his threats, the President insists that the August 1 deadline will not be delayed further. If that is the case, stiff tariffs will go into effect on imports from dozens of additional countries. The President has also been weighing further tariffs on a variety of critical industries, including copper, pharmaceuticals, semiconductors and lumber. The Administration appears to be finalising these actions, and some of those tariffs could come as early as the next few weeks. In a meeting Wednesday with a group of African leaders at the White House, Mr Trump said that tariffs would be 'a great thing for our country.' 'We've taken in hundreds of billions of dollars in tariffs, hundreds of billions, and we haven't even started yet,' he said. He added that the United States 'really haven't had too many complaints because I'm keeping them at a very low number. Very conservative.' Mr Trump's letters repeatedly mentioned the bilateral trade deficits that the United States runs with other countries, calling them 'unsustainable' and 'a major threat' to the nation's economic security. Some economists believe that the overall US trade deficit with the world is problematic, because it means that fewer factories in the US employ Americans. But many economists have criticised the President's focus on the trade deficits with individual countries as a measure for US trading relationships. Economists argue that bilateral deficits with various countries occur for all kinds of reasons. The most important is simply that foreign countries may specialise in producing certain products that Americans prefer to buy — cars, gold, chocolate — which is not something a foreign government can or would want to control. It also seems unlikely that the United States could eliminate these trade deficits by encouraging foreign countries to buy American products. While such sales could help to partly balance trade and benefit US exporters, there's little reason to think other countries would buy the same amount of products that the United States, often the wealthier country, demands from the rest of the world. For example, the President has said that a trade deal between the United States and Vietnam would open Vietnamese markets and lead to sales of American vehicles. 'It is my opinion that the SUV or, as it is sometimes referred to, Large Engine Vehicle, which does so well in the United States, will be a wonderful addition to the various product lines within Vietnam,' Mr Trump wrote on Truth Social last week. But analysts have pointed out that Vietnamese streets are much tinier than American ones, and the per capita annual income in Vietnam is only $4,000, about a tenth of the cost of a midsize SUV. This article originally appeared in The New York Times . © 2025 The New York Times Company
