Brazil has threatened to impose retaliatory tariffs in response to former U.S. President Donald Trump’s announcement of a 50 percent tariff hike on Brazilian imports, set to take effect from August 1.
The move, which Trump has defended as a response to Brazil’s criminal trial against former President Jair Bolsonaro, has drawn strong criticism from Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. Trump described Bolsonaro’s legal troubles as a “witch-hunt” and accused Brazil’s current leadership of using the judiciary for political persecution.
In response, President Lula emphasized that Brazil’s judiciary operates independently and firmly rejected any foreign interference in its domestic legal processes. He made it clear that Brazil will not accept attempts to pressure its institutions through economic means.
Lula also ordered diplomats to return any formal communications from Trump related to the tariff issue and stated that Brazil will use its newly enacted reciprocity law to match any trade penalties imposed by the United States.
The tariff dispute has raised concerns over potential disruptions in trade, particularly affecting key Brazilian exports such as coffee, oil, and orange juice. Economists have warned that escalating trade tensions could harm both economies and spark a broader tit-for-tat conflict.
Despite Trump’s claims of unfair trade practices, U.S. data shows the country enjoys a trade surplus with Brazil, leading critics to view the tariff threats as politically motivated.
The situation underscores rising geopolitical friction ahead of the U.S. elections, with Brazil signaling it is prepared to defend its economic and judicial sovereignty against what it perceives as unilateral and politically driven actions from Washington.
