President Donald Trump has threatened Brazil with 50% tariffs if President Lula da Silva does not halt the ongoing trial against former President Bolsonaro. In a letter published today on social media, the U.S. President explained that starting August 1, Brazil will be charged 50% tariffs for all products shipped to the U.S. The decision, he explains, stems from the alleged unfair treatment of former President Jair Bolsonaro, currently facing a trial on an alleged coup plot to remove President Lula.
Trump threatens 50% US tariffs on Brazil in a bid to halt trial on former president Bolsonaro
In an official letter addressed today to Brazil’s President Lula da Silva, President Trump announces new U.S. tariffs on the country. “Due in part to Brazil’s insidious attacks on Free Elections, and the fundamental Free Speech Rights of Americans […] 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. Goods transshipped to evade this 50% Tariff will be subject to that higher Tariff.”
In his message, Trump refers to political controversies in Brazil, as former President Jair Bolsonaro accuses the Lula government of having rigged the 2022 elections and gaining power through electoral fraud.
“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,” reads the letter. “This Trial should not be taking place. It is a Witch Hunt that should end IMMEDIATELY!” exclaims the President of the U.S.
Bolsonaro is currently undergoing a trial ordered by the Brazilian Supreme Court to investigate an alleged coup plot in which the former President allegedly took part. The alleged coup plot, known as “Punhal Verde Amarelo” (“Green and Yellow Dagger”), was reportedly devised on December 6, 2022, at the presidential palace between several members of the military. At the time, Bolsonaro was still president, but Lula had already been elected in the October 30 elections. The investigation indicates that Bolsonaro was present at the palace during the planning, with leaked conversations between high-ranking military members referencing an alleged endorsement from Bolsonaro.
Bolsonaro and his son Eduardo are very close to U.S. conservative and Trump circles.
“His Election was very close and now, he is leading in the Polls. This is nothing more, or less, than an attack on a Political Opponent — Something I know much about!” further says Trump in a Truth Social media post.
“I’ll be watching the WITCH HUNT of Jair Bolsonaro, his family, and thousands of his supporters, very closely. The only Trial that should be happening is a Trial by the Voters of Brazil — It’s called an Election. LEAVE BOLSONARO ALONE!” adds the post.
Donald J. Trump Truth Social 07.09.25 04:17 PM EST pic.twitter.com/SGIPwBU4nl
— Commentary Donald J. Trump Posts From Truth Social (@TrumpDailyPosts) July 9, 2025
Future of US-Brazil trade relation in jeopardy
In addition to the tariff threats, Trump also suggests a potential renegotiation of current trade agreements and relations between the U.S. and Brazil.
“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. Our relationship has been, unfortunately, far from Reciprocal,” reads the letter, adding that “the 50% number is far less than what is needed to have the Level Playing Field we must have with your Country.”
However, the document clarifies that the path remains open for Brazil or Brazilian companies to invest in the U.S. “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 other words, in a matter of weeks.”
Brazil recently hosted the 17th BRICS Summit, where leaders of the Global South gathered amid a global trade war driven by former U.S. President Donald Trump. President Lula notably called for “a reform of the UN Security Council to allow for a broader voice from the Global South,” stating that “with multilateralism under attack, our autonomy is once again at stake.”
Brazil was also indirectly threatened by Trump, who announced upcoming 10% tariffs on countries supporting BRICS and pursuing “policies contrary to U.S. interests.”
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