Trump slaps 50% tariffs on Brazil over Bolsonaro trial; Lula responds
Trump called Bolsonaro a 'Highly Respected Leader' and condemned the ongoing legal proceedings against him as 'a Witch Hunt', demanding the trial end immediately. He also accused Brazil of undermining free elections and targeting free speech, pointing to secret censorship orders allegedly sent by the Brazilian Supreme Court to US-based social media platforms.
Trump has announced a 50 per cent tariff on all Brazilian exports to the US from August 1, 2025, citing the trial of President Jair Bolsonaro and alleged censorship by Brazil's Supreme Court. In response, Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva defended Brazil's sovereignty and judicial independence, calling the claims false and warning of reciprocal measures if tariffs are unilaterally imposed.
'These censorship orders threaten platforms with millions in fines and eviction from the Brazilian market,' Trump wrote. 'We must move away from a trade relationship that has long been unfair and non-reciprocal.'
Trump clarified that the tariffs would not apply to Brazilian companies that establish production operations within the US.
In a firm response, President Lula reaffirmed Brazil's sovereignty and judicial independence. 'Brazil will not accept any form of tutelage,' he stated. 'The judicial proceedings fall exclusively under the jurisdiction of Brazil's institutions.'
Lula rejected Trump's claims of a trade imbalance, noting that US government data reflects a $410 billion surplus in its trade with Brazil over the past 15 years. He also defended Brazil's digital regulation efforts, stressing that freedom of expression must not be conflated with hate speech or illegal content.
Lula concluded by warning that any unilateral US tariff hikes would be met under Brazil's Economic Reciprocity Law, asserting that 'sovereignty, respect, and the unwavering defense of the interests of the Brazilian people' will guide its international stance.
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