Trade Takes A Turn: President Trump announces 50% tariffs on Brazil

President Trump made a major announcement late yesterday on trade with Brazil. He is threatening 50 percent tariffs on all imports. While his message was largely around political events there, he warned that the trade imbalance has gone on long enough.

President Trump told Brazil’s president that new tariffs rates will begin August 1st. He is also calling on U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer to open an investigation into unfair trade practices.

Brazil is a major trading partner, and some worry that the President’s trade policy might cause retaliation. However, Greer argues that tariffs give the U.S. the upper hand.

Related Stories
Brazil logistics issues may support U.S. soybean demand.
Energy risks could reshape global ag trade flows.
The ag trade deficit is narrowing, but export competition remains strong.
Expanding supplies are weighing on global coffee and cocoa prices.
NMPF’s Alan Bjerga discusses pending trade agreements with Indonesia and Ecuador and how they will benefit U.S. dairy producers and improve overall global competitiveness of U.S. ag products.
Debt pressures could reshape farm policy and credit.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

We highlight an Iowa FFA student who is harnessing the power of AI technology to assess stress in agriculture-related careers.
API said it stands ready to work with Congress to develop a balanced approach to E15 legislation that promotes fuel choice, supports investment certainty, and contributes to a stable and fair marketplace for American consumers.
Lawmakers are pressing for answers on how Washington’s “managed trade” approach — keeping leverage through long-term tariffs — will affect farmers, global markets, and future export opportunities.
In the meantime, Senate Majority Leader John Thune is asking that farmers be allowed to use marketing assistance loans to help stay afloat.
Beef industry groups seem to agree — market-based pricing, not federal intervention, best supports rancher livelihoods and long-term beef supply stability.