US President Donald Trump announced a fresh wave of tariffs targeting eight countries, with Brazil facing the highest rate — a steep 50% duty on imports. The new measures, which Trump described as an effort to correct “unfair trade imbalances,” will take effect on August 1 and apply across various sectors. This move marks a significant escalation from the 10% tariff the U.S. had imposed on Brazil in April.
In addition to Brazil, the countries affected include Algeria, Iraq, Libya, and Sri Lanka, which will each face a 30% tariff; Brunei and Moldova, with 25%; and the Philippines, with 20%. The tariff orders were announced via Trump’s Truth Social platform and conveyed through formal letters to foreign leaders. Trump emphasized that the 50% tariff on Brazil is separate from sector-specific duties and reflects both economic concerns and political tensions.
Specifically, Trump cited Brazil’s “very unfair trade relationship” with the U.S. as a key reason for the hike, while also pointing to the ongoing prosecution of Brazil’s former president, Jair Bolsonaro, as a factor in the decision. The move signals Trump’s continued use of aggressive trade policy as a tool for both economic leverage and political messaging on the global stage.
