Part 11/12:
The briefing also touched on US measures against Brazil, which has faced a 50% tariff under IEEPA due to concerns over rule of law and censorship. The Trump administration views these tariffs as necessary responses to Brazil's political climate and actions that threaten US interests.
Moreover, officials drew attention to the ongoing fentanyl crisis, highlighting China's role in supplying precursor chemicals. The US has imposed a 20% tariff on Chinese imports related to fentanyl precursors and advocates for stricter controls to curb the illicit drug trade that kills approximately 100,000 Americans annually.