Summary
- Trump signed an order for 50% tariffs on Brazil imports.
- New tariffs effective August 6, escalating trade conflict.
- Cites Brazil’s policies harming U.S. companies and economy.
- Tariffs linked to Brazil's trial of Bolsonaro ally.
- U.S. declares national emergency over Brazil’s harmful actions.
In an effort to lessen what his administration referred to as an "unsustainable dependence" on foreign materials, Trump also proceeded with a 50% tariff on copper items, such as pipes, wires, cables, and other electrical components.
According to the White House, the president signed documents on July 30 formalizing the tariffs, which he had previously stated he would pursue. On August 1st, the copper product tariff will take effect.
Additionally, Trump ordered Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick to mandate that a quarter of the United States' high-quality copper scrap be sold domestically.
Following a Section 232 trade review, the White House justified the levy on copper—which it claimed was the second-most-used commodity in the Defense Department—by citing national security concerns.
Trump has already imposed 50% tariffs on aluminum and steel imports. Additionally, he has threatened to impose tariffs on pharmaceuticals and electronics.
On July 30, the Trump also attacked India, threatening to impose a 25% tax and probably more.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump claimed that India would incur extra costs for acquiring energy and weaponry from Russia. Later in the day, he told reporters that his choice was partly influenced by India's membership in the BRICS economic club.
An alternative to the dollar has been discussed by the BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) group.
"We're not going to let anybody attack the dollar,"
Trump said.
Why does Trump claim Brazil's policies harm U.S. businesses and interests?
Trump frames the tariffs as a response to Brazil's judicial prosecution of former President Jair Bolsonaro, who is an ally of Trump and currently on trial for alleged coup plotting following his 2022 election loss. Trump calls this prosecution a "witch hunt" and views it as unfair political persecution.
Trump accuses the Brazilian Supreme Court and government officials of censoring American tech companies—specifically, restricting or suspending accounts on U.S. social media platforms in Brazil—which he claims violates Americans' free speech rights.
The tariffs are also justified by Trump as necessary to address "unusual and extraordinary policies and actions" by Brazil.