US Imposes 50% Tariffs, Sanctions on Brazil over Bolsonaro Probe

President Donald Trump has escalated tensions with Brazil by imposing a 50% tariff on a wide range of Brazilian products, citing the Brazilian government's politically motivated persecution of former President Jair Bolsonaro, an ally of Trump. The tariffs, enacted under a national emergency declaration, target coffee, fruits, and meats but exclude key exports like commercial airplanes, energy products, and orange juice to mitigate economic impact. Alongside the tariffs, the U.S. Treasury sanctioned Brazilian Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes, accusing him of human rights abuses related to his role in prosecuting Bolsonaro. The White House characterized Brazil's actions against Bolsonaro and his supporters as serious human rights violations undermining the rule of law and harming U.S. businesses and free speech. Brazil's President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva responded firmly, emphasizing Brazil's sovereignty and willingness to negotiate on equal footing rather than yielding to pressure. The tariffs' announcement initially caused market volatility but some exemptions helped stabilize Brazilian currency and exporter stocks, though agricultural sectors remain vulnerable to the tariffs.