Flavio Bolsonaro requests delay on US tariffs impacting Brazil until after October elections

On July 6, 2026, Brazilian senator Flavio Bolsonaro, son of former president Jair Bolsonaro, appealed to the Trump administration to postpone proposed tariffs on Brazilian goods until after the upcoming elections in October. This request comes amid allegations from President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva that Bolsonaro's family played a role in instigating these tariffs.

Background on Proposed Tariffs

The Trump administration announced a potential 25% tariff on Brazilian goods in June, citing trade violations such as illegal deforestation and unfair electronic payment practices. This surprising move caught the Brazilian government off guard, especially as relations appeared to be improving following a White House meeting between Trump and Lula in May.

Despite efforts from Brazilian officials to dissuade the US from implementing these tariffs, Bolsonaro argues that the Brazilian government has not done enough to foster a positive relationship with the US. He is advocating for a 180-day delay in the decision-making process regarding the tariffs, emphasizing the significance of the political landscape ahead of the elections.

Accusations and Political Implications

Following a meeting with US officials in Washington, Bolsonaro faced accusations of inviting US pressure on Brazil. Lula has accused him of lobbying for the tariffs, stating, “the origin of all this was motivated by the Bolsonaro family itself.” In response, Bolsonaro contends that the tariffs would politically benefit the current government, stating, “New US tariffs on Brazilian products would hand the current Brazilian government precisely the political victory it has been engineering.”

A recent poll by Quaest revealed that 47% of Brazilians sided with Lula's assertion that Bolsonaro encouraged the US to impose tariffs, while 35% believed Bolsonaro's claim of attempting to prevent them.

Next Steps and US Response

The US has until July 15 to make a decision regarding the tariffs. Should they move forward, certain goods, including beef, coffee, rare earth minerals, and aircraft parts, would remain exempt. This potential tariff follows previous measures imposed by Trump last year, which he described as a “witch hunt” against Jair Bolsonaro, who was later convicted.

As the October elections approach, the relationship between Brazil and the United States remains a pivotal issue in Bolsonaro's campaign, especially with Trump actively engaging in Latin American politics. This includes support for right-wing candidates across the region, notably in Colombia.