Trump hits Brazil with 50% tariffs over Bolsonaro prosecution

Track the Supreme Court IEEPA tariff case to understand whether presidents can use emergency powers for trade policy: The Supreme Court heard oral arguments Nov. 5, 2025 in *Trump v. V.O.S. Selections* challenging the president's authority to impose tariffs under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act. The Court's decision will determine whether hundreds of billions in tariffs are refunded and whether future presidents can declare trade deficits a national emergency. Read the Federal Circuit's Aug. 2025 opinion explaining why IEEPA doesn't authorize tariffs: https://www.cafc.uscourts.gov/opinions-orders/25-1812.OPINION.8-29-2025_2566151.pdf

Monitor USTR's Section 301 investigation into Brazil to see if permanent retaliatory tariffs replace the challenged IEEPA tariffs: USTR Jamieson Greer opened a Section 301 investigation Jul. 15, 2025 examining six Brazilian trade practices including digital payment regulations and ethanol market barriers. Public comments closed Aug. 18, 2025 and a hearing was held Sep. 3, 2025. USTR typically announces findings within 12 months, meaning spring 2026 could bring new tariffs even if courts strike down existing ones. Follow the investigation at: https://ustr.gov/trade-topics/enforcement/section-301-investigations/section-301-brazils-acts-policies-and-practices-related-digital-trade-and-electronic-payment

Check if you paid tariffs on products later exempted and consider filing refund claims: Trump removed 238 agricultural product classifications including coffee and beef from the 50% tariff list on Nov. 13, 2025, authorizing CBP to refund duties collected after that date—but the order didn't provide refunds for the Jul.-Nov. period when importers paid the full rate. If you imported Brazilian products before tariff exemptions took effect, consult a customs attorney about preserving refund claims during the Supreme Court litigation. CBP refund procedures: https://www.cbp.gov/trade/refunds

Contact your senators to ask whether they support legislation limiting presidential emergency tariff authority: The Court of International Trade ruled that Trump's invocation of IEEPA for tariffs exceeded congressional intent, but Congress could clarify or restrict the statute. Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) was the only Republican to vote against confirming USTR Jamieson Greer, citing concerns about executive tariff authority. Ask your senators whether they'll introduce legislation requiring congressional approval for emergency tariffs that last beyond 90 days. Find your senators: https://www.senate.gov/senators/senators-contact.htm