The 50% tariffs announced by US President Donald Trump on many Brazilian products took effect Wednesday, a situation that China is already taking advantage of by opening its market to Brazilian coffee, one of the products most affected by the trade measures.

Brazil was not the only country targeted for political reasons. India faces a comparable rate for buying Russian oil. Mr Trump warned Mark Carney, Canada’s prime minister, that recognising a Palestinian state would make trade negotiations “very hard”.

Washington recently imposed 50% tariffs on Brazilian imports and announced sanctions against a top Brazilian judge. 'China firmly supports Brazil in safeguarding its national sovereignty and national dignity,