U.S. President Donald Trump has ordered a 50% tariff on all Brazilian imports, effective 1 Aug 2025. In a letter made public last week, Trump linked the measure to what he called Brazil’s “unfair trade practices” and the criminal trial of his ally, former president Jair Bolsonaro. The White House says the duties are being imposed under emergency powers, expanding a series of tariff moves the administration has pursued against other trading partners since April. Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva condemned the action as “unacceptable blackmail” and vowed to respond “with full reciprocity” if the levies take effect. “No gringo is going to give orders to this president,” Lula told supporters, adding that his government is finalising a package of counter-measures that could include matching 50% tariffs on U.S. goods and new taxes on U.S. digital platforms operating in Brazil. Vice-President Geraldo Alckmin and congressional leaders said Brazil’s recently enacted reciprocity law gives the administration clear authority to mirror U.S. duties. Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira said Brasília prefers a negotiated settlement and remains open to talks, but has begun consultations with affected exporters while preparing to notify the World Trade Organization. The dispute threatens to open a new front in Washington’s tariff conflicts and could disrupt annual two-way trade worth about $100 billion. Analysts warn that a tit-for-tat escalation would raise costs for manufacturers in both countries and complicate broader discussions on digital-services taxation and agricultural market access.