The levy is the highest announced so far in Trump’s letters to world leaders this week, and comes after he wrote a lengthy message supporting the former Brazilian leader.

U.S. President Donald Trump singled out Brazil for import taxes of 50 per cent, saying the trial of former president Jair Bolsonaro, who is charged with trying to overturn his 2022 election loss, 'should not be taking place.

One of the highest tariffs threatened by President Trump so far is against Brazil, with the president citing a criminal prosecution against Jair Bolsonaro.