Right-wing Brazilians wanted sanctions against the judge prosecuting Brazil’s former president. President Trump opted for something far bigger — tariffs.

Trump announced new 50 per cent tariffs on Brazilian steel exports. Brazilian President Lula warned that unilateral moves by Washington would trigger countermeasures under the Law of Economic Reciprocity.

Tarcísio de Freitas, governor of São Paulo state and a former infrastructure minister under Bolsonaro, told reporters Thursday that the U.S. tariffs would have a negative impact on the economy and for important industrial exporters from his state, including Brazilian plane maker Embraer.