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Trump hits Brazil with 50% tariffs and sanctions judge in Bolsonaro case

July 31, 2025

The U.S. has announced sanctions against Brazilian Supreme Court Judge Alexandre de Moraes, accusing him of authorizing arbitrary detentions and suppressing free expression while leading investigations into former President Jair Bolsonaro. Simultaneously, President Donald Trump signed an executive order raising tariffs on Brazil to 50%, though excluding some major exports like orange juice and certain aircraft parts. Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva condemned the sanctions as "unacceptable" interference in Brazil's justice system and noted Brazil's significant trade deficit with the U.S. over recent decades.

Who is affected

  • Brazilian Supreme Court Judge Alexandre de Moraes
  • Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro and his allies
  • Current Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva
  • Brazilian exporters and the Brazilian economy
  • U.S. tech companies operating in Brazil, including Trump Media and X (formerly Twitter)
  • U.S.-Brazil trade relations and their respective economies
  • Brazilian citizens subject to Judge Moraes' judicial decisions

What action is being taken

  • The U.S. is imposing sanctions on Brazilian Supreme Court Judge Alexandre de Moraes
  • President Trump is implementing a 50% tariff on Brazilian imports with specific exemptions
  • Brazil is threatening to match any tariffs imposed by the U.S.
  • Judge Moraes is leading an investigation into allegations that Bolsonaro and allies plotted a coup
  • Judge Moraes is imposing pre-trial restrictions on Bolsonaro, including curfews and 24-hour surveillance
  • Brazil's Supreme Court is holding social media companies responsible for content posted on their platforms

Why it matters

  • The sanctions represent direct U.S. interference in Brazil's judicial system
  • The tariffs could significantly impact Brazil's economy as the U.S. is its second-largest trading partner
  • The measures undermine the historical relationship between the two countries
  • The conflict highlights tensions between national sovereignty and international pressure
  • The situation demonstrates political alignment between Trump and Bolsonaro despite both losing elections
  • This marks a significant escalation in U.S.-Brazil relations under Trump's second term
  • The dispute intersects with broader issues of social media regulation and alleged political persecution

What's next

  • No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: BBC