Trump fired off a nasty letter to Brazilian President Lula da Silva that threatens to slam the South American country with brutal trade punishment. The American leader called the trial of former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro a complete witch hunt and demanded it stop immediately. Trump accused Brazil's Supreme Court of attacking free speech rights and going after US social media companies with secret orders and huge fines. He warned that Brazil faces serious consequences if the legal attacks continue against his political ally. The letter dated July 9 puts Brazil on notice that major trade war moves are coming fast.
Starting August 1, Trump plans to hammer Brazil with a massive 50 percent tariff on all imports coming into America. The trade penalties will hit on top of any existing barriers and Trump warned against trying sneaky workarounds like shipping through other countries. If Brazil tries to fight back by raising its tariffs against American goods, Trump promised to pile even more punishment on top of the 50 percent rate. He ordered his trade chief Jamieson Greer to launch an immediate investigation into Brazilian trade practices and digital restrictions. The president made clear these tariffs aim to fix what he calls years of unfair treatment.
Trump left Brazil one escape route by saying the country could avoid or reduce the tariffs by opening its markets and dropping restrictions on US companies. He claimed the tough measures would restore balance to a trade relationship that has hurt America for decades. The president ended his warning with a promise that Brazil would never feel disappointed with American partnership if it cooperates.
Starting August 1, Trump plans to hammer Brazil with a massive 50 percent tariff on all imports coming into America. The trade penalties will hit on top of any existing barriers and Trump warned against trying sneaky workarounds like shipping through other countries. If Brazil tries to fight back by raising its tariffs against American goods, Trump promised to pile even more punishment on top of the 50 percent rate. He ordered his trade chief Jamieson Greer to launch an immediate investigation into Brazilian trade practices and digital restrictions. The president made clear these tariffs aim to fix what he calls years of unfair treatment.
Trump left Brazil one escape route by saying the country could avoid or reduce the tariffs by opening its markets and dropping restrictions on US companies. He claimed the tough measures would restore balance to a trade relationship that has hurt America for decades. The president ended his warning with a promise that Brazil would never feel disappointed with American partnership if it cooperates.
