Addressing Threats to The United States by the Government of Brazil

National Emergency and 40% Tariff Imposed on Brazilian Imports

Impact Score: 4.2

Timeline: Effective August 6, 2025 (7 days after order date)

Summary: The President declared a national emergency over Brazil’s actions undermining U.S. security, economy, and political freedoms, including coercion of U.S. companies and political persecution. In response, a 40% ad valorem tariff is imposed on certain Brazilian imports, with enforcement by U.S. Customs and Border Protection. The order allows for tariff adjustments and mandates ongoing agency monitoring and Congressional reporting. Vanderbilt University faces potential impacts on international programs, collaborations, research initiatives, and costs related to these developments.

Key Actions: Vanderbilt’s Office of Federal Relations should monitor developments; Law School to explore related trade law research; Owen Graduate School to assess economic impacts; the Project on Unity & American Democracy to examine geopolitical implications.