U.S. President Donald Trump's latest tariff delay provided some hope to major trade partners Japan, South Korea and the European Union that deals to ease duties could still be reached, while bewildering some smaller exporters such as South Africa and leaving companies with no clarity on the path forward.

It shows that personal grudges rather than simple economics are a driving force in the U.S. leader’s use of tariffs.

The US president had already slammed Brazil for its treatment of Bolsonaro on Monday, comparing it to the legal cases he himself had faced in US courts. The 50% tariff threat was met with a robust and lengthy response by President Lula.