In response to President Donald Trump’s announcement of a 50% tariff on Brazilian goods starting from August 1st, Brazil’s Agriculture and Livestock Minister Carlos Favaro stated that the US government’s imposition of a 50% tariff on Brazilian exports is an “unjust measure.” Favaro mentioned focusing on significant markets with substantial consumption potential such as the Middle East and South Asia, which could serve as alternative options for Brazil’s exports.
On the same day, local time, the Brazilian government informed the U.S. Embassy that it would return the letter sent by President Trump that day and decided to summon the U.S. Consul General in Brazil, Eiscovár, to explain parts of the letter concerning former President Bolsonaro.
On September 9th, the U.S. President issued a letter to Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula, warning of a 50% tariff on imported products from Brazil and claiming that “Lula is persecuting former President Bolsonaro, and should stop immediately.” In response, Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula stated on September 9th that Brazil would not be controlled by anyone and would respond to the unilateral increase in tariffs imposed by the United States on Brazilian exports.
Former Brazilian President Bolsonaro is currently under investigation by the Supreme Court of Brazil. He lost the presidential election in October 2022. On January 8th, 2023, some Bolsonaro supporters stormed the Brazilian Congress, the Presidency, and the Federal Supreme Court, causing severe damage. Brazilian prosecutors accused Bolsonaro of conspiring with several senior staff members to orchestrate a coup attempt aimed at overturning the election results. (CCTV Reporters: Feng Li, Wang Bo)