Trump imposes 50 percent tariffs on copper and Brazilian imports starting in August

Edited by:  Reda El Ghazal

The White House has sharply escalated its trade measures, with President Donald Trump unveiling a 50 percent tariff on all copper imports to the United States and the same rate on goods arriving from Brazil, effective August 1. Trump justified the move by emphasizing the need to protect American security interests and revitalize domestic industry, particularly in sectors reliant on copper such as electronics, aerospace, electric vehicles, and defense. In the wake of the announcement, American firms rushed to accelerate copper shipments from alternative exporters, while market observers noted growing anxiety about global supply disruptions.

Relations between Washington and Brasília have entered a tense phase, as Trump connected the new tariffs to ongoing disputes over Brazil’s domestic and digital policy, as well as sharp criticisms of its political climate. The US president accused Brazil of undermining open elections and digital freedoms, vowing further penalties unless American digital companies are treated fairly. In response, President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva warned that Brazil would implement countermeasures according to national law, signaling a possible escalation in economic tensions between the two nations, who share more than $90 billion in annual trade.

These steps are part of a wider tariff campaign. In addition to targeting Brazil and copper, the administration has notified several other trading partners—such as the Philippines, Sri Lanka, Algeria, Iraq, Libya, Brunei, and Moldova—of new or increased tariffs. Prominent US suppliers, including South Korea and Japan, are facing a 25 percent tariff unless new agreements are reached by the August deadline. Meanwhile, ongoing trade talks with the European Union have intensified, with negotiators racing to secure a deal and avoid broad penalties on EU exports, especially in the automotive sector. Despite some optimism, EU officials caution that significant differences remain as the deadline approaches.

With tariff rates reaching heights unseen since the 1930s, analysts warn that these policies could reshape global trade flows and fuel new rounds of retaliation. While the US Treasury touts record tariff revenue, uncertainty is rippling across markets and industries as companies brace for more changes. Trump’s aggressive approach has sparked debate over the future of American trade strategy, as both businesses and governments navigate an increasingly complex landscape.