Brazil condemns Trump's 25% tariff as politically motivated

Brazil has denounced a new 25% US tariff on selected Brazilian imports as unjust and politically motivated, warning it could impose reciprocal duties on American goods.

The tariffs, announced by Washington on Wednesday and effective next week, target around 3,000 products but exempt items such as coffee, beef, oranges, orange juice and aircraft components to avoid supply chain disruptions.

Márcio Elias Rosa, Brazil’s Industry Minister, said the measure affects about 18% of the country’s exports to the US, valued at roughly $7.4 billion based on 2024 figures. President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva’s administration rejected US claims of unfair trade practices, noting that 76% of US imports entered Brazil duty-free in 2025 and that the average tariff on American products was only 3.1%.

Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira strongly criticized US Secretary of State Marco Rubio for accusing Lula of failing to negotiate in good faith, calling the remarks offensive and reaffirming Brazil’s commitment to dialogue while defending its sovereignty.

Despite President Donald Trump’s claims, the US has long maintained a trade surplus with Brazil, reaching nearly $42 billion last year. Brazilian industry groups warned the tariffs would increase uncertainty for businesses, while analysts said Brazil is likely to accelerate efforts to diversify export markets beyond the United States.