The US also imposed a 50% tariff on Brazil after Trump accused it of "attacks" on US companies and of conducting a "witch hunt" against Bolsonaro.

On Wednesday, the US made good on its threats to apply 50 per cent tariffs on Brazil two days ahead of schedule and imposed sanctions on the supreme court justice overseeing the criminal case against former president Jair Bolsonaro.

The Trump administration escalated its pressure campaign against Brazil, raising tariffs on the country to 50% and freezing U.S. assets belonging to a judge overseeing criminal proceedings against former leader Jair Bolsonaro.