Trump slaps 50% tariff on Brazil, the world’s largest coffee producer

In a post on his social media platform, Trump said he was levying a 50% tariff on Brazil, the world’s leading coffee producer, citing, in part, its treatment of former President Jair Bolsanaro.

“The way that Brazil has treated former President Bolsonaro, a Highly Respected Leader throughout the world during his Term, including by the United States, is an international disgrace. This Trial should not be taking place. It is a Witch Hunt that should end IMMEDIATELY,” Trump wrote.

Bolsanaro, who was president from 2019 to 2022, is standing trial before Brazil’s Supreme Court for his alleged role in an attempted coup in 2023.

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Brazil produced 37% of the world’s coffee in 2024-25, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Foreign Agriculture Service.

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva responded on X, writing that "Brazil is a sovereign country with independent institutions that will not accept being tutored by anyone."