Trump Imposes 50% Tariffs on Brazil

U.S. President Donald Trump on Wednesday signed a series of executive actions imposing 50% tariffs on Brazilian imports and a wide range of semi-finished copper products, citing human rights violations and national security concerns.

According to a statement from the White House, the move marks a sharp policy turn that could inflame tensions with Brasília and disrupt global copper markets, just days before the new tariffs take effect on August 1, 2025.

The White House confirmed that Trump had warned Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva earlier this month about the looming tariffs via an official letter. In that message, Trump demanded the halt of criminal proceedings against former right-wing President Jair Bolsonaro, a close Trump ally facing trial for his alleged role in an attempted coup in Brazil.

"Failure to address this politically motivated persecution will result in serious economic consequences," Trump warned, according to sources familiar with the communication.

The tariff decision increases existing duties on Brazilian goods from 10% to a full 50%, a move that U.S. officials say is in response to “gross human rights violations that undermine the rule of law.”

In a separate presidential proclamation, Trump imposed an identical 50% tariff on U.S. imports of semi-finished copper products—including pipes, wires, sheets, and other high-consumption derivatives. The White House described the measure as vital to "ensure fair competition and long-term sustainability" for the domestic copper industry.

"Copper is critical to our economy and national defense," the proclamation reads. "We cannot allow foreign suppliers to undercut our producers through unfair practices."

The new tariffs will include exceptions for certain automotive-related copper imports, which are already subject to tariffs under a previous Trump directive.

The U.S. imported an estimated $17 billion worth of copper in 2024, according to Commerce Department data. Chile remains the top supplier, accounting for $6 billion of that total. While Brazil is not a dominant copper exporter to the U.S., analysts warn that the broader tariff policy could cause price hikes in downstream industries, including electronics, machinery, and automobiles.

“The ripple effect of this policy could be substantial,” said industrial economist Carla Mendez. “Copper is a foundational material, and any sudden spike in tariffs will push costs across multiple sectors.”

Critics say the decision to target Brazil appears to be more political than economic, as Bolsonaro faces serious legal jeopardy in his home country. Trump has publicly denounced the trial as “politically motivated”, framing it as part of a broader ideological battle against right-wing populism in Latin America.

“What’s happening to Jair is a disgrace,” Trump said earlier this month. “Lula and the left are trying to silence their opposition through the courts.”

The Brazilian government has yet to issue an official response but is widely expected to challenge the tariffs at the World Trade Organization (WTO) or pursue retaliatory measures if no diplomatic resolution is reached.