President Donald Trump sent out a slew of letters Wednesday to some global trading partners, advising them of tariff levels as high as 50% for their exports to the United States.

The exchange with the South American nation suggests the U.S. president also sees trade as a tool to influence other policies of foreign countries.

What Happened in Markets Today Copper prices—and mining stocks—rose after Trump confirmed a 50% tariff on the metal will take effect Aug. 1. Prices for the [metal hit record highs](

Trump tariffs live updates: Brazil, copper hit with 50% tariffs as ...

Donald Trump's 50% tariff on Brazilian imports has ignited a diplomatic clash with President Lula, who decried “tutelage” and vowed retaliation. Trump

The levy is the highest announced so far in Trump’s letters to world leaders this week, and comes after he wrote a lengthy message supporting the former Brazilian leader.

President Trump is amping up trade threats, again unveiling a new batch of letters to country leaders outlining tariffs on goods imported from their countries beginning in August and a warning to BRICS nations.

The Philippines, Sri Lanka, Algeria, Iraq, Libya, Brunei and Moldova are the latest tariff targets. Read more at straitstimes.com. Read more at straitstimes.com.

Stock indexes edged higher on Thursday, with investors weighing the latest trade announcements from U.S. President Donald Trump, while the Brazilian real recovered some losses following Trump's announcement of a 50% tariff on goods from Brazil.