Trump Slaps Brazil with 50% Tariffs Citing National Security and Economic Harm

President Donald Trump has officially imposed a sweeping 50% tariff on copper products from Brazil, marking a sharp escalation in his ongoing campaign to realign U.S. trade policies ahead of an Aug. 1 deadline. The move, announced late Tuesday, is part of a broader strategy aimed at bolstering American manufacturing and reducing what the White House called “dangerous dependence” on foreign materials.

The new tariffs target a range of Brazilian copper products — including electrical wires, pipes, and components — and are set to take effect on August 1. In addition, Trump has directed Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick to ensure that at least 25% of high-grade copper scrap produced in the U.S. stays onshore, rather than being exported abroad.

“We are taking strong action to protect American workers and secure our supply chains,” Trump said in a statement posted to Truth Social. “We cannot allow foreign nations to undercut American jobs or jeopardize our national defense.”

The White House pointed to the results of a Section 232 trade investigation, which concluded that imported copper poses risks to U.S. security. Copper is considered a critical material by the Defense Department, second only to steel, and is vital for use in everything from submarines and aircraft to missile systems and communications infrastructure.

Targeting Brazil Amid Political Tensions

Brazil, a member of the BRICS economic bloc, was singled out for what Trump described as “extraordinary actions that harm U.S. interests.” The administration cited recent developments in the criminal case against former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro — a staunch Trump ally — as part of its rationale for the tariffs. Bolsonaro is currently under investigation for alleged involvement in a failed coup attempt following his 2022 election defeat.

Calling the charges against Bolsonaro a “witch hunt,” Trump accused Brazil’s current leadership of undermining U.S. companies, freedom of expression, and American diplomatic interests.

“These aren’t just trade issues,” a senior White House official said. “We’re looking at a pattern of behavior from the Brazilian government that’s inconsistent with free-market values and stable international relations.”

Eyes on BRICS and the Dollar

In a separate move, Trump also warned India of looming tariffs, citing its purchases of Russian military equipment and energy resources. He expressed concern about India’s growing involvement with BRICS, a group of nations exploring alternatives to the U.S. dollar in global trade.

“We’re not going to let anybody attack the dollar or our economic leadership,” Trump told reporters. “If countries want to benefit from access to the U.S. market, they need to respect our rules and our allies.”

What’s Next

With the Aug. 1 deadline fast approaching, Trump has signaled that countries not finalizing trade agreements with the U.S. could face further tariff hikes. The administration has also hinted at new duties on semiconductors and pharmaceuticals in the near future.

For now, the message from the White House is loud and clear: economic leverage will be used unapologetically to advance U.S. national interests — both at home and abroad.