United States President Donald Trump has advised eight (8) more countries about the increased tariff rates on their exports to the US. The countries include the Philippines, Brunei, Moldova, Algeria, Iraq, Libya, Sri Lanka and Brazil. He first posted the advisory in his Truth Social, his own social media platform.
Trump subsequently communicated officially to the countries mentioned. The increased tariff rates are as follows: 30% on Libya, Iraq, Algeria and Sri Lanka, 25% on Brunei and Moldova, 50% on Brazil, and 20% on the Philippines โ all of them effective on August this year.
His letter to Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva claimed that “Due in part to Brazil’s insidious attacks on Free Elections, and the fundamental Free Speech Rights of Americans … we will charge Brazil a Tariff of 50 percent on any and all Brazilian products sent into the United States.”
“Any unilateral measure to raise tariffs will be responded to in light of Brazil’s economic reciprocity law,” Lula said Wednesday on X.
Brazilian Vice President Geraldo Alckmin said Wednesday it was “unjust” for Trump to impose tariffs of 50 percent on Brazilian products.
“I see no reason to increase tariffs on Brazil. Brazil is not a problem for the United States; it is important to reiterate that. The United States has a trade deficit, but a surplus with Brazil,” Alckmin said.
Trump sent the first batch of tariff letters to 14 countries on Monday, with tariffs ranging from 25 percent to 40 percent. (With Xinhua)