The White House cited national security concerns about tariffs on copper, and Trump called for restrictions on the export of copper scrap.
Trump’s 15% EU tariff could raise prices for cars, drugs and luxury goods
President Donald Trump’s trade deal with the EU could raise prices for cars, medicines and luxury goods.
- Trump cited Brazilian criminal cases against former President Gia Borzaro as justification for heavy tariffs. Bolsonaro is accused of taking part in an attempted coup after losing his re-election in 2022.
WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump succeeded 50% ahead of the August 1 deadline for the country to attack trade deals with his administration or raise their fees, with the threat of hiking tariffs on imports from Brazil.
Trump also aims to advance with a 50% tariff on copper products, including pipes, wires, cables and other electrical components, reducing what his administration described as an “unsustainable dependence” on foreign materials.
The president previously said he would pursue tariffs, but he signed documents on July 30th and made them official, the White House said. Duties on copper products will come into effect on August 1st.
Trump has also directed Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick to require 25% of the high-quality copper scrap produced in the United States to be sold in the United States.
The White House cited national security concerns following the Section 232 trade investigation on copper tariffs, which it said was the Pentagon’s second-most used material. Copper is used in ships, submarines, missiles, aircraft and ammunition.
Trump previously introduced 50% tariffs on imported steel and aluminum. He also says he will impose tariffs on semiconductors and drugs.
The president also said on July 30 that he would slap the country with 25% tariffs and other charges on the 30th of July.
Trump said in the true social post that India will pay additional fines to purchase arms and energy from Russia. He told reporters later that day that he also placed emphasis on his decision-making on India’s BRICS economic group.
The BRICS Group (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) is discussing the creation of an alternative to the dollar.
“No one is going to make the dollar attack,” Trump said.
Bolsonaro’s “coup” factor
The White House said Brazil’s tariff rates reflect “extraordinary policies and actions that hurt American businesses, the right to free speech for the American people, the US foreign policy, the US economy.”
Trump cited a Brazilian criminal case against former President Jer Borzaro as part of the heavy tariffs. Trump’s ally Bolsonaro has been accused of taking part in a coup attempt after losing the race for reelection in 2022.
Trump called Bolsonaro accused of “witch hunting.”
