Why is Trump targeting Brazil - and will it backfire for Bolsonaro?
The Background
Brazil's President Bolsonaro has found himself in the midst of the ongoing US-China trade war. At the G20 summit, President Trump denounced China for "manipulating their currency and ripping off the United States," and subsequently announced plans to double tariffs on $200 billion of Chinese goods. China immediately retaliated by threatening to impose tariffs on $60 billion of US imports.
The Impact on Bolsonaro
These developments could hurt Bolsonaro's economy, which is already reeling from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and the reduced demand for commodities. Brazil relies heavily on commodity exports to fuel its economy. While Bolsonaro has publicly endorsed a strong stance against China, privately, Brazilian officials have been pleading with the US to not engage in a trade war.
The Bigger Picture
The Trump administration has been actively looking to isolate China on the world stage. With this move, Trump is attempting to exploit Brazil's economic struggles and establish a stronger foothold in the region. The potential trade agreement with Brazil, Argentina, India, and others to form "The Quad" is a clear signal of Trump's intentions to counter China's growing influence in the region. However, it remains to be seen if this strategy will bear desired results or backfire due to China's strong retaliation.
META DESCRIPTION: A potential trade war between the US and China could have significant economic repercussions for Brazil, damaging an already struggling economy due to the COVID-19 pandemic. KEYWORDS: Trump, Brazil, Bolsonaro, Trade War, Economics, US-China Relations, G20, Tariffs, Retaliation, The Quad, Foreign Policy, Regional Influence Let me know if you would like me to make any further changes or adjustments to the article.
