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”.

Arabica coffee plays a key role in the US market, where it is often blended with milder beans from other Latin American producers appeal to American tastes. Brazil accounts for 44 per cent of global Arabica production, making it a difficult supplier to replace in the short term.