The US has slapped a 50% tariff on Brazilian semi-finished steel, threatening $2.6 billion in exports and straining trade relations. Marco Polo de Mello Lopes from Instituto Aço Brasil warned this move risks halting talks and hurting industries on both sides, as Brazil buys $1.4 billion in US coal yearly. Companies may now seek other markets, but the global oversupply complicates plans, while American manufacturers could face higher costs.