Trump announces 40 percent customs on imports from Brazil

In response to criminal prosecution against Brazil’s ex-President Jair Bolsonaro, the United States wants to impose high tariffs from the South American country. As of next Wednesday, 40 percent of Brazilian products are to be set up in addition to existing tariffs, according to a corresponding decree. “The recent measures, practices and promotions of the Brazilian government threaten national security, foreign policy and the United States’ economy,” said the reason.

Since the beginning of April, the United States has been raising 10 percent on Brazil imports. On August 1, US President Donald Trump had already threatened to 50 percent and justified them with alleged economic imbalances from August 1st. A request from the White House initially remained unanswered whether the tariffs in the room are combined or whether it will ultimately remain 50 percent.

And not all imports from Brazil are affected: among other things, orange juice, civil aircraft and parts and fertilizers are listed under the exceptions.

On Wednesday, the US government also imposed sanctions against the Brazilian federal judge Alexandre de Moraes. US Finance Minister Scott Bessent accused Moraes of leading an “illegal witch hunt” against US and Brazilian citizens as well as companies, including ex-President Bolsonaro. Moraes are accused of censorship, arbitrary arrests and politically motivated law enforcement. The background includes closures of social media accounts and the temporarily blockade of the platform X in Brazil. The sanctions include the freezing of possible Moraes assets in the United States.

Brazilian diplomats see it an escalation of the tensions and an attempt to exercise political pressure in favor of Bolsonaros. The right ex-president is charged with an attempted coup d’état after his election defeat in 2022.