Trump Imposes Surprising 50% Tariff on Brazil as Crypto Market Reacts

US President Donald Trump has announced a 50% tariff on Brazilian imports, escalating tensions after a week of diplomatic strain. The new tariff will take effect on August 1.

The announcement came through Trump’s social media channels in a formal letter addressed to Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.

In the letter, Trump cited “unfair trade practices” by Brazil and criticized the Brazilian Supreme Court’s handling of former President Jair Bolsonaro. He currently faces trial for inciting an anti-democratic coup attempt. 

That event led to the January 8, 2025, storming of the Planalto presidential palace in Brasília.

Donald J. Trump Truth Social 07.09.25 04:17 PM EST

Tensions between the two countries intensified earlier this week after Trump posted messages supporting Bolsonaro and criticizing the BRICS summit. 

He warned that any country aligned with what he called “anti-American BRICS policies” would face an additional 10% tariff.

The move comes amid already heightened market sensitivity following today’s release of FOMC minutes. It showed most Federal Reserve officials favor rate cuts in 2025, with some open to easing as early as July 30.

Shortly after the Brazil tariff news broke, Bitcoin pulled back from its new all-time high of $112,000, dipping to around $110,800. 

The crypto market, which had been buoyed by Fed rate cut optimism, showed signs of caution as global trade tensions resurfaced.

This is a developing story.