Trump cast his announcement as a pressure tactic to help Bolsonaro, who is on trial for allegedly plotting a coup to overturn his loss in the 2022 presidential election.

Tarcísio de Freitas, governor of São Paulo state and a former infrastructure minister under Bolsonaro, told reporters Thursday that the U.S. tariffs would have a negative impact on the economy and for important industrial exporters from his state, including Brazilian plane maker Embraer.

U.S. President Donald Trump pitched his 50% tariffs against Brazil as a way to support former President Jair Bolsonaro, but three people close to the right-wing ex-president said they were stunned by the move and fear it may do more harm than good.