

Brazil’s Currency Plunges, EU Damage Control, Money In Every Mile
Trump's 50% Tariff Shock Sends Brazil's Currency Tumbling
Donald Trump announced a 50% tariff on Brazilian goods, sharply escalating tensions with Latin America's largest nation. This tariff hike was primarily politically motivated, citing Brazil's persecution of former leader Jair Bolsonaro and "insidious attacks on free elections."
The Brazilian real plunged nearly 3% against the US dollar—the biggest drop in over three months—after the announcement. This move is notable because Brazil actually has a trade surplus with the US, indicating that the tariff is less about trade imbalances and more about political disagreements between Trump and Brazil's current government.
Trump also cited the ongoing trial against Bolsonaro, which he labels a witch-hunt, as part of his justification. Brazil's President Lula vowed to respond to any unilateral tariff hikes, signaling potential retaliatory measures. The situation reflects a broader theme of tariffs being used as political tools rather than purely economic measures.
Trump's Political Tariff on Brazil
- Donald Trump imposed a 50% tariff on Brazilian goods, citing political reasons, which shocked markets and led to a currency plunge.
- The move was more politically motivated than trade-based, targeting Brazil's election dynamics and Bolsonaro's trial.
Copper Tariff to Rebuild Manufacturing
- Trump confirmed a 50% tariff on copper from August 1 to rebuild US manufacturing.
- Copper is critical to many industries, making this tariff impactful for US producers.