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

The proposal is a blow to U.S. meat companies also facing tighter cattle supplies due to a halt of livestock imports from Mexico over New World screwworm, a flesh-eating pest spreading south of the border.

Critics say the tariff on Brazil could further erode the Trump administration's credibility as it pursues an aggressive trade agenda.