Rubio Blames New Tariffs on Brazilian Leader's 'Ego'

Washington is turning up the heat on Brazil—again. Per the Wall Street Journal, the US will slap a 25% tariff on a range of Brazilian imports after a yearlong probe into what trade officials say are unfair practices, though beef and coffee are notably spared, the Office of the US Trade Representative announced on Wednesday. The move, taken under Section 301 of the Trade Act, follows a mandate from President Trump, Secretary of State Marco Rubio wrote on X, accusing President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva's government of failing to bargain "in good faith."

"His economic policies are bad for Americans and bad for Brazilians," Rubio wrote. "For the past year, Lula has put his own ego ahead of making a deal for the welfare of the Brazilian people, and these tariffs are the price for that." Tariffs on most Brazilian goods had been at 10% after a previous 50% levy was struck down by the US Supreme Court. Brazil blasted the new duties as unjustified, vowed reciprocal measures, and called the date a "lamentable milestone" in its relations with Washington. The AP notes that the tariffs are set to go into effect on Wednesday.