U.S. President Donald Trump sent out letters to the leaders of eight countries on Wednesday, notifying them that tariffs ranging from 20 percent to 50 percent will be charged on goods imported from these countries starting Aug. 1.
Trump first posted letters to seven countries, namely the Philippines, Brunei, Moldova, Algeria, Iraq, Libya and Sri Lanka, on Truth Social, his own social media platform.
According to the letters, 30 percent tariffs will be imposed on Libya, Iraq, Algeria and Sri Lanka, 25 percent on Brunei and Moldova, and 20 percent on the Philippines.
Later in the day, Trump announced that tariffs of 50 percent will be charged on goods imported from Brazil, also effective on Aug. 1.
In response, Brazilian Vice President Geraldo Alckmin said on Wednesday that it was unjust for Trump to impose a 50 percent tariff on Brazilian products.
Alckmin said he saw no reason to increase tariffs on Brazil as the United States has a trade surplus with the Latin American country.
He further said that imposing tariffs on Brazilian goods will harm the U.S. economy as there is integration in trade.
Trump sends tariff letters to 8 more countries
Trump sends tariff letters to 8 more countries
Protesters filled Mexico City's Paseo de la Reforma on Saturday, rallying in solidarity with Venezuela and denouncing U.S. influence in Latin America.
The United States launched a large-scale military operation against Venezuela in the early hours of Jan 3, taking by force Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores.
Holding numerous flags and banners while chanting slogans intermittently, a huge crowd of protesters criticized U.S. military actions against Venezuela and the unlawful control over President Maduro and his spouse, calling for respect for national sovereignty and regional peace.
"We oppose the U.S. intervention and hegemony towards the countries in Latin America. The United States has flagrantly trampled on international law, bombed Caracas and kidnapped the Maduro couple. The U.S. interventionism has become extremely blatant. We must firmly oppose and be highly vigilant, because this is not only related to a certain country, but also to all countries," said a protester.
"We demand that the United States stop interfering in Venezuela's internal affairs. The country must immediately cease its exploitation and plundering of the countries in Latin America," said another protester.
Protest erupts in Mexico City over US military operation in Venezuela
