“The Emerging Trump Administration Front: Analyzing the Implications of Tariff Threats on a Latin American Country”
The current confrontation between the United States and Brazil is primarily motivated by political factors rather than trade interests, with President Bolsonaro playing a central role in the conflict.
Bolsonaro, the Courts, and Lobbying from the US
President Bolsonaro is currently facing a trial in the Supreme Court of Brazil for allegedly attempting to obstruct Lula’s inauguration in 2023. His son, Eduardo Bolsonaro, who is now based in the US, is leading a lobbying campaign aimed at pressuring the Brazilian judiciary with the backing of allies of former President Trump. The imposition of tariffs, scheduled to come into effect on August 1, is viewed as a political maneuver to support the former Brazilian president rather than a legitimate trade action.
Politically Motivated Tariffs
Despite official data indicating a trade surplus with Brazil over the past 16 years, the Trump administration decided to impose tariffs of 50% on key products such as crude oil and steel, causing apprehension among Brazilian industrialists. This conflict is recognized as potentially impacting Bolsonaro’s reputation and exacerbating political polarization in Brazil, reminiscent of the era of Lula’s presidency.
Internet, BRICS, and Washington’s Discomfort
Accusations have been leveled against Brazil for issuing censorship directives to US social media platforms. In reality, the country is implementing regulations against misinformation in alignment with the approach of the Brazilian Supreme Court, which includes suspending platforms that defy judicial orders. Judge Moraes, a central figure in this policy, has faced legal action in the US from platforms like Rumble, intensifying tensions particularly following his critical comments about the US at the Río summit. Despite the tough rhetoric from the former president, Brazilian diplomacy is engaged in discreet negotiations with Washington to prevent further escalations. This dispute transcends trade issues, encompassing ideological differences, judicial matters, and the broader realignment of the Southern hemisphere on a global scale.
