Washington, D.C. [US], July 31 (ANI): U.S. President Donald Trump has signed an executive order imposing a 50 percent tariff on Brazilian imports, marking a major escalation in trade tensions between the two countries. The announcement was made by the White House on Wednesday, citing national security, economic interests, and foreign policy concerns.
According to a fact sheet accompanying the executive order, the decision was prompted by what the Trump administration characterized as “exceptional and extraordinary” actions and policies undertaken by the Brazilian government. The administration accused Brazil of implementing measures that undermine U.S. businesses, threaten free speech, and harm American foreign policy and economic interests.
“President Donald J. Trump signed an Executive Order implementing an additional 40% tariff on Brazil, bringing the total tariff amount to 50%, to deal with recent policies, practices, and actions by the Government of Brazil that constitute an unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security, foreign policy, and economy of the United States,” the White House stated.
The executive order invokes the International Emergency Economic Powers Act of 1977 (IEEPA) and officially declares a new national emergency in response to Brazil’s conduct. It cites politically motivated actions by the Brazilian government as a driving factor behind the decision.
In particular, the order condemns what it describes as human rights violations tied to the legal prosecution of former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro and his supporters. “The Order finds that the Government of Brazil’s politically motivated persecution, intimidation, harassment, censorship, and prosecution of former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro and thousands of his supporters are serious human rights abuses that have undermined the rule of law in Brazil,” the statement reads.
The latest move follows Trump’s recent warning that a 50 percent tariff on Brazilian goods would take effect beginning August 1. He had previously called the legal proceedings against Bolsonaro a “witch hunt” and publicly defended the right-wing leader, who has long touted his alignment with Trump.
In a coordinated action, the U.S. also imposed sanctions on Brazilian Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes, who is overseeing Bolsonaro’s trial. The U.S. accused Moraes of committing serious human rights abuses, including arbitrary detentions, denial of fair trial guarantees, and violations of freedom of expression.
“The United States is sanctioning Brazilian Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes for serious human rights abuse, including arbitrary detention involving flagrant denials of fair trial guarantees and violations of the freedom of expression,” U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said in a statement.
The Trump administration also announced visa restrictions against Moraes and other court officials involved in the Bolsonaro case.
The aggressive policy shift underscores deepening divisions between the U.S. and Brazil and is likely to have far-reaching implications on bilateral trade and diplomacy.
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