Trump tariffs cause sharp fall in Brazil exports to US

SAO PAULO, Sept 5 (AFP): Brazil's exports to the United States plunged 18.5 percent year-on-year in August, hobbled by the 50-percent tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump, figures showed Thursday.

Trump slapped a range of Brazilian goods with his highest category of tariff on August 6 to punish Latin America's biggest economy over what he called its "witch hunt" against his ally, former far-right president Jair Bolsonaro.

Bolsonaro is on trial for coup plotting over his alleged bid to prevent his successor, leftist President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva from taking office following his victory over Bolsonaro in October 2022 elections.

A verdict in the trial is expected next week.

Brazil's exports to the United States came to $2.76 billion in August, down from $3.39 billion a year earlier, Commerce Ministry statistics showed.

Brazil's total exports rose marginally in August nonetheless, buoyed by increased flows to China, Argentina and Mexico.

Trump has repeatedly lashed out at US trading partners that run up large trade surpluses with the United States.