The White House concluded that non-tariff methods for punishing Brazil would take too long, two people familiar with the situation said.

President Donald Trump said at least seven countries can expect tariff letters on Wednesday morning, as he ramped up pressure on nations to strike deals with the United States by saying his new August 1 deadline would not be extended.

US President Donald Trump has announced a 50 percent tariff on Brazilian imports as he accused the country's leftist leadership of orchestrating a "witch hunt" against his right-wing ally, former leader Jair Bolsonaro.