Trump Announces 50% Tariff on Brazilian Imports,
Sparking Tensions with Lula Administration
A letter sent by Donald Trump, former President of the United States, to Jair Bolsonaro, former President of Brazil, revealed on Truth Social on the 17th (local time). Trump Truth Social
On July 17 (local time), former U.S. President Donald Trump revealed on his social networking service, Truth Social, a letter he had sent to former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro. This disclosure came as Trump announced a plan to impose a 50% reciprocal tariff on Brazilian imports, signaling a full-scale tariff war with Brazil.
In the letter, Trump described Bolsonaro as "a true patriot of Brazil and a victim of an unjust system," and strongly criticized the current Lula administration's policies and the actions of Brazil's judicial authorities. In particular, he accused the Brazilian Supreme Court of restricting freedom of expression, calling it "an international disgrace."
Trump's actions are interpreted as an attempt to increase political pressure ahead of the high-tariff measure set to take effect on August 1. Previously, on July 9, Trump announced that a 50% tariff would be imposed on Brazilian imports starting August 1. He cited the treatment of former President Jair Bolsonaro and unfair trade practices against American companies as the reasons for the tariffs against Brazil.
On the same day, Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva criticized Trump's imposition of the 50% tariff, stating, "A gringo cannot give orders to this president." The term "gringo" is used in Spanish- and Portuguese-speaking countries to refer to English-speaking people. While it can sometimes mean "foreigner" in general, it is often used with the intent of disparaging Americans. Lula's remarks are interpreted as expressing strong displeasure at both Trump's tariff measure and his attempt to interfere in Brazil's internal affairs.
In an interview with CNN on July 17, President Lula said, "When I first saw Trump's social media post, I thought it was not true and was fake news," adding that he was "very displeased" with the way the tariffs were announced. He also stated, "Trump was not elected president of the United States to become emperor of the world."
The Brazilian government is continuing discussions with industries and companies expected to be affected by the high U.S. tariffs, and is preparing retaliatory measures in case negotiations break down.
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