America retaliates against Brazil! Immediately after the BRICS summit in Brazil, Trump took strong action against Brazil! On July 10, US President Trump announced that he would impose a 50% punitive tariff on products exported from Brazil to the United States and ordered an investigation into unfair trade practices. This sudden act of retaliation by Trump has made Brazil the country with the highest tax rate, whereas previously the US imposed a 10% tariff on Brazil.

Why did Trump suddenly announce higher taxes on Brazil? According to the US side, this is because Trump was angry about the trial of Brazil's former president Bolsonaro. However, from an observer's perspective, Trump's approach is obviously naked bullying against Brazil. The investigation and trial of Bolsonaro in Brazil are internal affairs, which have nothing to do with the United States.

If America is not happy, it imposes heavy taxes on Brazil. What kind of logic is that? Brazil's heavy taxation this time is likely related to Trump's reaction to the BRICS summit held in Brazil and Lula's statements. Regarding the declaration of the BRICS summit, Trump claimed that it promoted "anti-US policies." In response to America's tax bullying, Lula clearly stated that we don't need an emperor. Lula criticized the US tax measures as wrong and irresponsible.

Moreover, Lula also said that he called for reshaping the international financial framework and supporting the reduction of dollar settlements. It is evident that every statement from Lula makes the US uncomfortable. However, Trump's tough measures against Brazil may not make Brazil back down. In fact, the total trade volume between the US and Brazil in 2024 was $92 billion, with a $7.4 billion trade surplus for the US. Meanwhile, Sino-Brazilian bilateral trade reached $188.1 billion, which is twice the US-Brazil trade. The US has a trade surplus and still imposes taxes; Brazil undoubtedly has room for countermeasures and will have the confidence to counter American actions.

Original article: https://www.toutiao.com/article/1837217229477899/

Statement: The article represents the personal views of the author.