US President Donald Trump made a major move Wednesday by announcing the imposition of massive 50% tariffs on copper imports, as well as on all products from Brazil, effective August 1st. This decision marks the official launch of a new, large-scale tariff offensive, with potentially explosive economic and diplomatic implications.
In a message posted on his Truth Social platform, Trump justified the copper tariff hike on national security grounds, citing an ongoing investigation under Section 232 of the U.S. Trade Code. He accused previous administrations of weakening the copper industry, which is considered essential for key sectors such as semiconductors, electric vehicle batteries, aerospace, and defense. “America will, once again, build a DOMINANT copper industry,” he said.
A few hours later, the White House notified Brazil of a dramatic increase in tariffs on its exports to the United States, from 10% to 50%. This decision comes amid growing political tensions between Trump and Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva . In a letter to Lula, Trump denounced what he called a "witch hunt" against former President Jair Bolsonaro, his political ally, who is currently on trial for attempting to overthrow Brazilian democracy.
Trump also criticized Brazil for alleged violations of free speech and US digital companies. He ordered a Section 301 investigation into Brazilian trade practices, signaling that further sanctions could follow. Brazil, the United States' 15th-largest trading partner, exported $92 billion worth of goods in 2024, with a trade surplus of $7,4 billion in favor of Washington.
Brasilia's reaction was swift. Lula issued a statement denouncing any unilateral measures as a violation of trade law, promising a response within the framework of Brazilian law. Several analysts fear a rapid escalation. "This could easily degenerate into a trade war," warned Brad Setser, a former trade adviser. "It's also a political revenge, linked to Bolsonaro's defeat by Lula."
Alongside these major announcements, Trump also targeted other countries, imposing tariffs of up to 30% on imports from seven minor trading partners, including the Philippines, Sri Lanka, Algeria, Iraq, and Libya. These new measures affect a relatively small total volume of trade, but signal a clear desire for a protectionist shift.
At the same time, trade negotiations between the United States and the European Union continue to progress, particularly around protecting the European automotive sector. But Trump's decision to increase tariffs could complicate these discussions, which are already marked by structural disputes.
Donald Trump's return to the White House thus relaunches a unilateral and aggressive trade strategy, with potential repercussions for global supply chains, commodity prices, and relations with some of the United States' main economic partners.
