Trump signs order to impose 50% tariffs on Brazil imports
Trump signed the order on Wednesday to add a 40 percent tariff to the 10 percent rate already in place.
He cited what he described as political persecution of his ally, former President Jair Bolsonaro, as the reason for the increase.
Bolsonaro has been charged with attempting to overturn the results of the 2022 presidential election.
Some of Brazil's main exports, such as orange juice, energy and aircraft, have been excluded from the new 50 percent tariff.
Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva hit back with a statement on Wednesday, saying the move harms Brazil's sovereignty and the historical ties between the two countries.
The tariff hike is seen as Trump's method of exerting political pressure, as the United States runs a trade surplus with Brazil.
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