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
USDA raised exports by $2.5 billion from February, while imports are forecast at $205.5 billion. The resulting $29 billion agricultural trade deficit remains a reminder that higher shipments alone do not resolve trade pressure.
The U.S. Meat Export Federation says the agreement could be used to improve market access for American beef and pork producers in Africa.
RealAg Radio’s Shaun Haney discusses the next generation of Canadian agricultural policy, producer priorities, concerns surrounding risk management programs, and what the framework could mean for agriculture on both sides of the border.
Brazil Potash CEO Matt Simpson discusses global fertilizer security, the importance of domestic production, and Brazil’s push toward fertilizer independence, which could impact market competitiveness.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Dr. Jeffrey Gold, President of the University of Nebraska, joined us to break down what telehealth entails and which conditions can be managed through remote appointments.
Improved export prospects and higher crop prices strengthened future expectations despite continued caution about spending.
While the agriculture industry hoped details on proposed “bridge” payments for farmers would be released this week, Ag Secretary Brook Rollins said the USDA is still working with the White House on the finer points.
Federal lawyers submitted a brief this week backing Bayer’s argument that federal laws governing herbicides like Roundup should prevent lawsuits over the popular chemical.
China’s renewed purchases signal improving sorghum demand at a time when export markets are otherwise uneven. Meanwhile, agriculture groups across the U.S, Canada, and Mexico want to protect close trade relations.