Trump’s New 50% Tariffs on Brazil Could Raise Prices on Coffee and Juice

President Donald Trump has revealed plans to slap a 50% tariff on Brazilian imports starting August 1, citing Brazil’s treatment of his ally, former president Jair Bolsonaro. This significant tariff threatens to affect everyday American consumers, especially those who enjoy Brazilian coffee and orange juice.

Brazil previously held a trade surplus with the US and was exempt from tariffs many other countries face. However, Trump posted a letter to Brazil’s president Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva on Truth Social, explaining the decision. He criticized Brazil’s prosecution of Bolsonaro, calling it a “witch hunt,” and accused Brazil of undermining free elections and censoring US social media platforms.

Brazil supplies about a third of the coffee consumed in the US—around eight million bags per year—and over half of the orange juice Americans drink comes from Brazil. This tariff could therefore increase costs for these popular products.

Trump’s letter also stated that the US has tried to negotiate fairer trade terms but found Brazil’s policies unfair and non-reciprocal. Lula responded on Twitter, emphasizing Brazil’s independence and rejecting external interference in its judicial process.

Brazil’s Institutional Affairs Minister Gleisi Hoffmann criticized Trump’s stance, saying the days of Brazil being subservient to the US ended with Bolsonaro’s presidency. She urged Trump to address his own country’s issues and respect Brazil’s sovereignty.

This tariff announcement is part of Trump’s broader plan to impose reciprocal tariffs on various countries, including a 10% tariff on the UK. Countries were recently notified that these tariffs would start in August unless new deals are made.

Related Posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *