Trump Slaps Brazil With 50% Tariffs — Key Sectors Spared
Tariffs tied to Bolsonaro trial target most Brazilian exports, but aircraft, energy, and pulp products receive exemptions.
- Trump hits Brazil with 50% tariffs, citing Bolsonaro trial as motivation
- Aircraft, oil, fertilizer, and pulp among sectors exempted; beef and coffee targeted
- Over 1,200 Brazilian export products affected; legal and diplomatic battles expected
U.S. President Donald Trump has imposed a sweeping 50% tariff on most Brazilian imports in response to what he called a politically motivated “witch hunt” against Brazil’s former president Jair Bolsonaro.
However, the measure spares several key sectors, including aircraft, energy, fertilizers, and orange juice, easing concerns in both Washington and Brasilia.
The tariffs, set to take effect August 6, come alongside U.S. sanctions targeting Brazilian Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes, who is overseeing Bolsonaro’s trial on charges of plotting a coup following his 2022 election defeat. Trump accused Moraes of leading an oppressive campaign marked by censorship and politically charged prosecutions.
The move triggered swift backlash and concern in Brazil, but the long list of exemptions—covering nearly 700 products and over 43% of export value—provided some relief. Analysts attribute the exclusions to strong lobbying by U.S. corporations and effective Brazilian diplomacy.
Despite the reprieve for exporters like Embraer and Suzano, sectors such as beef and coffee were not spared. Brazil’s meat industry expects losses of $1 billion in the latter half of 2025, while coffee exporters vow to continue lobbying for exemption.
Political observers view the tariffs as part of Trump’s broader attempt to influence Bolsonaro’s trial and strain relations with current Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, who has openly criticized Trump’s actions.
Legal experts and former U.S. officials argue the tariffs violate trade laws and may face court challenges. Meanwhile, Brazil’s government remains open to negotiations—but insists Bolsonaro’s legal troubles will not be part of the discussion.
