Trump threatens new tariffs on Brazil and seven other nations
Imports from Brazil and seven other countries could soon face steep tariffs, according to an announcement from President Donald Trump.
(CNN)- Imports from Brazil and seven other countries could soon face steep tariffs, according to an announcement from President Donald Trump. The proposed duties — some reaching 50 percent — are set to take effect August 1, unless new trade terms are reached.
“It’s gonna be a great thing for our country. I think it’s gonna be a fair thing for the world,” Trump said, defending the move as part of a broader strategy to prioritize American industry.
But not everyone agrees.
“These tariffs are a tax on American importers and American families,” said Ronald Kirk, former U.S. Trade Representative, echoing concerns from economists and trade analysts who warn the costs may ultimately be passed on to consumers.
Brazil is at the center of the proposed changes, with Trump specifically calling out the country’s ongoing trial of former president Jair Bolsonaro — a close ally — as a “witch hunt that should end immediately.” Bolsonaro faces charges related to an alleged attempted coup following his election loss. In response, Brazil’s current president pushed back, saying his country is a sovereign nation and will not bow to outside pressure. He also warned that retaliation could be on the table — a threat that could impact U.S. exporters, given the current American trade surplus with Brazil.
“President Trump uses tariffs for all sorts of reasons — whether it’s reshoring, the trade deficit, fairness — but definitely this is different,” said former deputy U.S. Trade Representative Sarah Bianchi.
In addition to Brazil, Trump says he has notified seven other countries — Algeria, Iraq, Libya, Moldova, Sri Lanka, Brunei, and the Philippines — that their exports to the U.S. will face flat tariffs ranging from 20 to 30 percent. “The formula was a formula based on common sense,” Trump said of the plan.
Some trade officials, however, say the lack of diplomatic groundwork raises concerns about the administration’s approach. “The fact that they essentially are doing letters also sadly speaks to — really this comes down to how the president feels that morning,” Kirk added.
