Mr. Trump has long expressed support for Bolsonaro, a right-wing populist sometimes known as "Trump of the Tropics."

The president signaled he would seek to use the threat of steep levies to reorient trade and protect his political allies.

U.S. President Donald Trump's threatened 30% tariff on South African exports is set to deal an economic blow to a community he has vocally and controversially championed: white farmers.