The exchange with the South American nation suggests the U.S. president also sees trade as a tool to influence other policies of foreign countries.

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva said Wednesday that his country will respond with reciprocity to U.S. President Donald Trump 's newly announced 50% tariff rate on his country's exports, citing a newly adopted Brazilian law that authorizes the government to take proportional countermeasures.

Brazils Vice President Geraldo Alckmin stated Monday that the country is still awaiting a response from Washington regarding a trade proposal made two months ago, following U.S. President Donald Trumps announcement of

Following Trump’s 50% tariff hike on Brazilian goods, a decree creates fast-track process for countermeasures against countries targeting Brazilian interests.

National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett defended Donald Trump’s newly unveiled 50% tariff against Brazil on ABC News' "This Week."

He met with executives from Brazil and the US to discuss the tariffs imposed by Trump on Brazilian products as well as the trade investigation against Brazil launched by the US.

President Trump has taken an unconventional approach to trade negotiations by sending form letters to foreign leaders.

NATO chief Rutte had warned India, China and Brazil of 100 per cent secondary tariffs if they continued buying crude oil from Moscow.

Brazil’s judiciary has started sweeping crackdowns on speech and political rivals. A U.S. tariff response signals the crisis has gone international.