Overview

• Trump labeled Brazil a “pésimo socio comercial,” citing large Brazilian tariffs compared to minimal U.S. duties, and called Bolsonaro’s trial a “political execution.”
• Official data indicate Brazil has maintained a trade deficit with the United States since 2009.
• The White House launched a Section 301 probe in July and imposed sweeping tariffs on Brazilian goods, prompting Brasília to threaten retaliatory duties.
• Brazil intends to challenge the U.S. tariffs at the World Trade Organization and pursue negotiations despite escalating tensions.
• Regional dynamics have sharpened as Trump’s closer ties with Argentina’s Javier Milei stand in contrast to his deteriorating relationship with Lula da Silva.