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https://theconversation.com/trumps-brazil-tariffs-point-more-to-his-enduring-bond-with-far-right-bolsonaro-than-economic-concerns-260993>
"After much back-and-forth over several months, President Donald Trump
announced on July 9, 2025, that he planned to levy a 50% tariff on Brazilian
exports to the United States. While Brazilian authorities, along with leaders
of most other countries, have been expecting new tariffs given their centrality
to Trump’s economic agenda, the announcement seemingly caught Brazilian
officials off guard, as trade negotiations between the two nations were still
ongoing.
Brazil President Lula da Silva was quick in reacting, stating his country could
respond in kind, if tariffs indeed come into effect on Aug. 1.
There has been much speculation about the reasons behind Trump’s decision and
timing, with some onlookers noting the proximity to the recent meeting of the
BRICS nations, a grouping of emerging economies, including Brazil, which had
already drawn Trump’s ire. Others argued that this was a protective measure to
defend key U.S. industries, such as steel, which have been facing continued
difficulties against cheaper products from Brazil.
The clearest answer, however, came from Trump himself.
In a letter to Lula, the U.S. president indicated that his main grievance with
Brazil is in fact the trial that former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro
faces in front of that country’s highest court. The former far-right firebrand
is charged for refusing to recognize the result of the last presidential
election in October 2022 and for allegedly having led an attempted coup against
the democratic institutions and rule of law in January 2023. If convicted,
Bolsonaro and some of his closest associates could face long prison sentences."
Cheers,
*** Xanni ***
--
mailto:xanni@xanadu.net Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/ Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/ Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/ Manager, Serious Cybernetics
