US Tariffs on Brazil Exports; Bolsonaro Coup Plot Interrogation
Key Takeaways
- US imposes 50% tariffs on Brazilian exports, risking $52B losses; negotiations ongoing.
- STF interrogates ten military defendants accused of plotting coup to keep Bolsonaro in power.
- Portugal creates immigration police, expelling 33,000+ immigrants, including 5,368 Brazilians.
- Scientists warn the Amazon is nearing irreversible damage due to droughts and fires.
- Extratropical cyclone brings winds up to 100 km/h and heavy rain to southern Brazil.
Top Stories
US imposes 50% tariffs on Brazilian exports amid political tensions; Brazil negotiates
Starting August 1, 2025, the US will impose a 50% tariff on Brazilian exports, risking $52 billion in losses and 110,000 jobs. Brazilian officials, including Vice-President Alckmin and a Senate delegation, are negotiating with the US amid political disputes involving Bolsonaro's role.
STF interrogates military defendants in Bolsonaro coup plot to block Lula's inauguration
On July 28, 2025, Brazil's Supreme Federal Court interrogated ten military defendants accused of plotting to kidnap Minister Alexandre de Moraes and prevent Lula's inauguration. The defendants allegedly aimed to keep Jair Bolsonaro in power through a coup.
Portugal creates immigration police unit amid expulsion of thousands including Brazilians
In July 2025, Portugal approved the National Unit for Foreigners and Borders to enforce stricter immigration controls, expelling over 33,000 immigrants including 5,368 Brazilians, prompting Brazilian government concern.
Scientists warn Amazon nears point of no return amid Brazil's climate threats
Climate scientists Carlos Nobre and Durwood Zaelke warn in 2025 that the Amazon is close to irreversible damage due to droughts and fires. A government study confirms Brazil faces diverse climate threats despite Paris Agreement goals.
Extratropical cyclone brings intense winds and rain to southern Brazil
On July 27-28, 2025, an extratropical cyclone caused strong winds up to 100 km/h and heavy rain in southern Brazil, prompting warnings from Navy and Civil Defense for potential damage and power outages.
Crime & Safety
Brazil reports 374.7 thousand cell phone robberies in 2024, mostly on weekdays
In 2024, Brazil recorded 374,700 cell phone robberies, primarily on weekdays and evenings, with men as majority victims; overall thefts also declined according to the Public Security Annual Report.
Cultural Scene
Brazilian filmmakers push for streaming platform regulation to boost local content
At the 2025 Cinesur festival, Brazilian filmmakers proposed that streaming platforms invest 12% of revenue in Brazil, with quotas for Brazilian content to promote cultural sovereignty.
Economic Watch
IBGE updates unemployment series using 2022 Census data, revising rates
On July 31, 2025, IBGE will revise Brazil's unemployment historical series incorporating 2022 Census data, potentially altering previously reported rates like the 6.2% unemployment for May 2025.
Political Pulse
Right-wing leaders debate unity and Bolsonaro's defense amid US tariffs and 2026 election
In July 2025, governors Tarcísio de Freitas, Ronaldo Caiado, and Ratinho Jr. promoted right-wing unity for 2026, while Eduardo Bolsonaro criticized them for not defending Jair Bolsonaro against US tariffs. The debate highlights tensions within Brazil's right-wing ahead of elections.
Eduardo Bolsonaro stays in US, criticizes Minister Moraes, faces investigations
Eduardo Bolsonaro, in the US since March 2025, refuses to return to Brazil to avoid arrest and publicly criticizes Minister Alexandre de Moraes. He faces investigations for coercion and obstruction and may lose his mandate in November.
STF probes deputies allied with Bolsonaro amid political tensions and protests
In July 2025, STF Minister Alexandre de Moraes included Deputy Filipe Barros in an inquiry for alleged crimes linked to Bolsonaro's supporters. Deputy Hélio Lopes protested STF actions, while STF ministers defended Moraes against criticism.
Bolsonaro allies face legal challenges and exile amid political prosecutions
Carla Zambelli lives in political exile in Italy to avoid a 10-year sentence for CNJ system invasion, while defendants including Nikolas Ferreira face electoral court charges for spreading false information in 2024 elections.
Lula's government faces internal tensions and voter skepticism ahead of 2026 elections
Ahead of 2026, Lula's base in Northeast Brazil shows candidate tensions, while government cohesion is tested by ministerial departures. Despite positive economic data, voter skepticism persists, affecting Lula's electoral prospects.
Investigations reveal political ties in contracts and donations involving security firms
Investigations show Breno Barbosa Chaves Pinto holds R$1.7 billion in public contracts amid fraud probes, while Franca Vigilância received R$656,000 in parliamentary amendments linked to Senator Laércio Oliveira.
Brazil's Senate debates new Electoral Code with key issues delaying 2026 election reforms
On July 26, 2025, Brazil's Senate reviewed a comprehensive Electoral Code reform facing delays over military quarantine, fake news definitions, and printed ballots, aiming for approval before the 2026 elections.
Social Beat
Thousands join Black Women's March in Rio advocating against racism and for justice
On July 27, 2025, thousands of Black women marched in Copacabana, Rio de Janeiro, to protest racism and promote justice, aligning with the International Day of Afro-Latin American and Caribbean Woman.