Trump announces 50% tariffs on Brazil in bizarre letter and slams 'disgrace'

Irish Daily Star

3 days ago

President
Donald Trump
announced a whopping 50%
tariff
on Brazil after issuing the country a bizarre letter that also slammed the country for their treatment of former President Jair Bolsonaro. Trump
posted his letter
to his Truth Social account.
"Dear Mr. President, I knew and dealt with former President Jair Bolsonaro, and respected him greatly, as did most other Leaders of Countries," Trump
wrote in the letter
. "The way that Brazil has treated former President Bolsonaro, a Highly Respected Leader throughout the World during his Term, including by the United States, is an international disgrace."
"This Trial should not be taking place. It is a Witch Hunt that should end IMMEDIATELY," he added. "Due in part to Brazil'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 U.S. Social Media platforms, threatening them with Millions of Dollars in Fines and Eviction from the Brazilian Social Media market), starting on August 1, 2025, we
will charge Brazil a Tariff of 50%
on any and all Brazilian products sent into the United States, separate from all Sectoral Tariffs."
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Trump posted his letter to his Truth Social account.
(Image: AP)
"Goods transshipped to evade this 50% Tariff will be subject to that higher Tariff," the letter added. "In addition, we have had years to discuss our Trading Relationship with Brazil, 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."
According to Trump's letter, "Our relationship has been, unfortunately, far from Reciprocal." Trump's letter added, "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."
In his letter, Trump slammed the treatment of Brazil's former president
(Image: AFP via Getty Images)
"And it is necessary to have this to rectify the grave injustices of the current regime," the letter continued. "As you are aware, there will be no Tariff if Brazil, or companies within your Country, decide to build or manufacture product within the United States and, in fact, we will do everything possible to get approvals quickly, professionally, and routinely - in other words, in a matter of weeks.
As with other countries that received the letter, Trump decided that the course of action was to threaten Brazil with "whatever the number you choose to raise them by, will be added onto the 50% that we charge." According to Trump, the tariffs are "necessary to correct the many years of Brazil's Tariff, and Non-Tariff, Policies and Trade Barriers, causing these unsustainable Trade Deficits against the United States."
According to Trump's letter, "Our relationship has been, unfortunately, far from Reciprocal."
(Image: Getty Images)
Trump also claimed that the deficit was "a major threat to our Economy and, indeed, our National Security." In the letter, Trump also announced that he was instructing Trade Representative Jamieson Greer to open up a section 301 investigation of the country.
For those not fluent in trade speak, a section 301 tariff is an additional import tax imposed by the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) on goods from countries engaging in unfair trade practices. "If you wish to open your heretofore closed Trading Markets to the United States, and eliminate your Tariff, and Non-Tariff, Policies and Trade Barriers, we will, perhaps, consider an adjustment to this letter," the president added.
Trump also claimed that the deficit was "a major threat to our Economy and, indeed, our National Security."
(Image: Getty Images)
"These Tariffs may be modified, upward or downward, depending on our relationship with your Country," finished Trump. "You will never be disappointed with the United States of America. Thank you for your attention to this matter!"