Trump hits India and Brazil with high tariffs, lowers South Korea duties

President Donald Trump slapped higher trade duties on India on Wednesday and offered a reprieve to two others — his latest trade war declarations in what has become a cornerstone of his second administration.

Imports from India now face a 25% tariff, Trump said in a social media post earlier in the day, along with an unspecified penalty for what Trump said was an over-reliance on Russian energy and military equipment. The president later signaled talks with India were ongoing.

Shortly before 4 p.m., Trump said Brazil was now facing a 90% tariff, up from 50%, as the administration also sanctioned the Brazilian judge overseeing the cases of former President Jair Bolsonaro for allegedly plotting a coup. Trump has taken issue with Brazil's treatment of Bolsonaro, who was a strong supporter in his first term.

Finally, Trump said Wednesday afternoon that South Korea had made “an offer to buy down” the 25% duty level it faces. “I will be interested in hearing what that offer is,” Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform. NBC News has reported South Korea is interested in investing in U.S. shipbuilding capacity.