Former Brazilian president Jair Bolsonaro, facing trial for allegedly plotting a coup, is closely aligned with President Donald Trump|Palacio do Planalto|CC BY 2.0
Donald Trump threatened Brazil with a 50% tariff starting August 1, accusing President Luiz Inacio Lula of targeting former president Jair Bolsonaro in a political “witch hunt.”
Bolsonaro, facing trial for allegedly plotting a coup, is closely aligned with Trump.
President Lula warned of retaliation under Brazil’s Law of Economic Reciprocity, calling his nation sovereign and unwilling to accept pressure from Trump’s letter.
Brazil ran a $6.8 billion trade deficit with the US last year, meaning America exported more to the country.
The rift between the two nations could impact US exporters, particularly in the aerospace and machinery sectors.
Trump’s threat is part of a broader campaign. He sent similar letters to 21 other countries this week.