US tariffs: what changes for Brazilian importers with the dollar and the trade war
On April 2, the United States announced tariffs on dozens of countries. Brazil landed in the lowest band, at 10%, but the dollar rose with the US-China escalation. See what matters for those who buy from abroad.
Historical reference: April 8, 2025. Published on this site on November 2, 2026. Dates in the text identify the period covered.
In this article
Key points
- On April 2, 2025, an executive order by Donald Trump set a 10% tariff on Brazilian products, the lowest band in the plan, starting April 5.
- China received a 34% tariff and responded with 34% on American products; on April 7, Trump threatened another 50% on Chinese goods.
- The dollar rose from R$5.69 (4/2) to R$5.911 (4/7), and the stock exchange fell for three sessions in a row.
- For Brazilian importers, the American tariff does not apply to their purchases, but the exchange rate and the prices of Chinese suppliers enter the calculation.
São Paulo, April 8, 2025 — On April 2, US President Donald Trump announced what he called "reciprocal" tariffs on imports from dozens of countries. Brazil landed at the floor of the plan, at 10%. China got 34%, on top of the tariffs it already paid, and responded with a 34% tariff on American products. Within five days, the dollar rose more than 3% in Brazil. For those who import, the most direct effect is not the tariff itself, but what it does to the exchange rate and to suppliers' prices.
- US tariff on Brazilian products, from 04/05/2025
- 10%
- Tariff announced by the US for China, with an identical response from Beijing on 04/04
- 34%
- Commercial dollar at the close on 04/07, the highest quote since 02/28
- R$5.911
- Ibovespa drop on 04/04, the worst session since December
- -2.96%
What the US announced
The executive order, signed on April 2 under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), creates an additional 10% tariff for almost every country from April 5. On top of it, the partners with which the US has the largest trade deficits receive their own rates from April 9. In the table Trump presented, each rate equals half of what the White House calculates as tariffs and barriers imposed on American products, with a floor of 10%. For Brazil, the calculation came to 10%. The European Union got 20% and Vietnam 46%; in all, the bands range from 10% to 50% for 185 countries, according to Diario de Pernambuco.
| Country or bloc | Announced tariff | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Brazil | 10% | Floor of the plan; applies from April 5 |
| European Union | 20% | Own rate, scheduled for April 9 |
| China | 34% | Scheduled for April 9, added to existing tariffs; Beijing retaliated with 34% |
| Vietnam | 46% | Scheduled for April 9; one of the highest bands |
Products already subject to Section 232 tariffs, such as steel, aluminum and automobiles, are left out of the new charge: Brazil already paid 25% on steel and aluminum, and Trump confirmed 25% on cars made outside the US. The Planalto Palace (the Brazilian presidency) said the measure violates US commitments at the WTO, recalled the American surplus of US$7 billion in goods with Brazil in 2024 (US$28.6 billion with services) and cited the Reciprocity Law, without announcing retaliation.
The reaction of the dollar and the stock exchange
- 04/02Before the announcement, the dollar closes at R$5.69 and the Ibovespa at 131,190 points. Analysts had expected a tariff of about 15% for Brazil, and the 10% was seen as less bad than feared.
- 04/04China responds with a 34% tariff. The dollar rises to R$5.83, the highest level since 03/10, and the Ibovespa falls 2.96%, to 127,256 points.
- 04/07Trump threatens another 50% on Chinese products if Beijing does not back down. The dollar closes at R$5.911, the highest since 02/28; the Ibovespa falls 1.31%, to 125,588 points, the third straight drop.
The move has causes beyond the tariff on Brazil. Fear of a global recession, falling oil prices and strong US employment data, which suggests high interest rates for longer, put pressure on emerging-market currencies. There was also a false report, on April 7, of a 90-day suspension of the tariffs, which pushed the dollar down for a few hours until the White House denied it.
The effect on supply chains
The American tariff applies to products entering the US, not to what Brazil buys. Even so, it reaches Brazilian importers through three paths.
On April 8, the country-by-country tariffs were still in motion: there were threats of new tariffs on China and negotiations under way with several governments. Plan with scenarios and review the numbers every week.
What importers should watch
- Define the contract currency. Contracting in dollars, in reais with an adjustment clause or with a fixed exchange date changes who carries the risk.
- Review the timing of payment. In volatile weeks, paying earlier or in installments can reduce the impact. Compare the cost of each route; the comparison between SWIFT and USDT shows the components.
- Talk to the supplier. Ask whether they plan to pass tariff costs on to other markets and request the quote's validity in writing.
- Consider the payment channel. The faster the money arrives, the smaller the window of exposure to the exchange rate. On the growing use of stablecoins for this purpose, see crypto flows in Brazil.
- Keep the documentation. Invoice, contract and payment receipt support the operation, whatever the channel.
The picture changes almost every day, and this article reflects what was known on the morning of April 8, 2025. The core recommendation is to treat exchange-rate volatility as a cost of the order, not as a surprise at payment.
Frequently asked questions
What is the US tariff on Brazilian products?
On April 2, 2025, the US announced a 10% tariff on Brazilian products, the lowest band in the plan, effective April 5. Brazil already paid 25% on steel and aluminum.
Does the US tariff increase import duties in Brazil?
No. The American tariff applies to what enters the US. Brazilian importers feel the effect indirectly, through a more volatile dollar and possible changes in suppliers' prices and lead times. The Brazilian government had not announced retaliation as of April 8.
Why did the dollar rise after the announcement?
The rise came from a combination of factors: China's response with a 34% tariff, fear of a global recession, falling oil prices and strong US employment data that reduced expectations of an interest rate cut. The dollar closed at R$5.911 on April 7, according to Agência Brasil.
How can importers reduce exchange rate risk?
By defining the currency and the exchange date in the contract, reviewing the timing of payment and choosing a channel that shortens the time between the quote and settlement. For large amounts, it is worth talking to the bank about hedging instruments.
Found it useful? Share it with anyone who pays suppliers abroad.
Sources
- Regulating Imports with a Reciprocal Tariff to Rectify Trade Practices that Contribute to Large and Persistent Annual United States Goods Trade Deficits (Executive Order 14257) · Casa Branca, Apr 2, 2025
- Fact Sheet: President Donald J. Trump Declares National Emergency to Increase our Competitive Edge, Protect our Sovereignty, and Strengthen our National and Economic Security · Casa Branca, Apr 2, 2025
- Trump ameniza com o Brasil e anuncia sobretaxa de 10% · Diario de Pernambuco, Apr 3, 2025
- Trump's measures make dollar rise in Brazil · MercoPress, Apr 5, 2025
- Dólar sobe para R$ 5,91 com novas ameaças de Trump à China · Agência Brasil, via Portal IN, Apr 7, 2025
For information only, not investment advice. Third-party brands mentioned belong to their owners; the mention is journalistic and does not indicate a partnership or relationship with Swapo Finance.
International payments with the speed of Pix and Central Bank rules.
Convert reais into USDT and send it to your supplier on the TRON network. One fee shown upfront, asset segregation policy, human support. Virtual assets have no FGC coverage; authorization application filed with the BCB.
