US President Donald Trump announced on Wednesday, 9, 50% tariffs on products imported from Brazil. In a letter sent to President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva (PT) and published on the social network Truth Social, Trump justifies the level of the tariff as a response to Brazil's treatment of former President Jair Bolsonaro.

He also points out that court orders "censor" American social media and inhibit the freedom of expression of US citizens. According to Trump, these attacks from Brazil originate from the Supreme Federal Court (STF).

In the document, Trump also threatens to raise tariffs even further if the country responds with similar measures. The tariffs will take effect on August 1st.

Read the full letter below.

Your Excellency

Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva

President of the Federative Republic of Brazil

Brasilia

Dear Mr. President:

I knew and dealt with former President Jair Bolsonaro and respected him greatly, as did most other leaders. The way Brazil treated former President Bolsonaro, a highly respected leader throughout the world during his term, including by the United States, is an international disgrace. This trial should not be taking place. It is a witch hunt that must end IMMEDIATELY!

Due in part to Brazil's insidious attacks on free elections and Americans' fundamental free speech rights (as recently illustrated by the Brazilian Supreme Court, which issued hundreds of SECRET and ILLEGAL censorship orders to U.S. social media platforms, threatening them with millions of dollars in fines and expulsion from the Brazilian social media market), starting August 1, 2025, we will levy a 50% tariff on any and all Brazilian goods shipped to the United States, separate from all sectoral tariffs. Goods relocated to circumvent this 50% tariff will be subject to this higher tariff.

Furthermore, we have had years to discuss our trade relationship with Brazil and have concluded that we must move away from the long-standing and very unfair trade relationship generated by Brazil's tariff and non-tariff policies and trade barriers. Our relationship, unfortunately, is far from reciprocal.

Please understand that the 50% figure is far lower than what is necessary to have the level playing field we need with your country. And it is necessary to correct the grave injustices of the current regime. As you know, there will be no tariffs if Brazil, or companies from your country, decide to build or manufacture products in the United States, and in fact, we will do everything possible to obtain approvals quickly, professionally, and routinely—in other words, within a matter of weeks.

If, for any reason, you decide to increase your tariffs, then whatever number you choose to increase them will be added to the 50% we charge. Understand that these tariffs are necessary to correct Brazil's many years of tariff and non-tariff policies and trade barriers, which are causing these unsustainable trade deficits with the United States. This deficit is a major threat to our economy and, indeed, to our national security!

Furthermore, due to Brazil's continued attacks on the digital commerce activities of American companies, as well as other unfair trade practices, I am directing United States Trade Representative Jamieson Greer to immediately initiate an investigation of Brazil under Section 301.

If you wish to open your previously closed trade markets to the United States and eliminate your tariff and non-tariff policies and trade barriers, perhaps we can consider an adjustment to this letter. These tariffs may be modified, up or down, depending on our relationship with your country. You will never be disappointed with the United States of America.

Sincerely,

DONALD J. TRUMP