Washington and Brasília — Two of the largest economies on the continent are in sync... in taxation. While Donald Trump proposes a 3.5% fee on international remittances made by immigrants, Lula's government has already initiated a similar taxation in Brazil for profits and dividends sent abroad. Coincidence? Perhaps. But the impact may go beyond expectations — and is already shaking up the cryptocurrency universe.

Trump: Nationalist Fee for International Remittances

In his return to the political scene with controversial and populist proposals, Donald Trump included in his legislative package called 'One Big, Beautiful Bill' a 3.5% fee on all international remittances made by non-U.S. citizens. The measure, which still needs to pass through other legislative stages, would take effect in 2026 and aims to:

Reinforce the U.S. treasury;

Discourage the sending of resources abroad by immigrants;

Fund border barriers and other political priorities.

Brazil: 10% Tax on Large Senders

Meanwhile, the Brazilian government of Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has already approved a 10% tax on profits and dividends sent abroad, as a way to offset the increase in the income tax exemption threshold for those earning up to R$ 5,000 per month. In other words, those sending more than R$ 50,000 per year are in the sights of the Federal Revenue.

The measure primarily targets high-income investors and multinational corporations;

Small investors and workers are exempt — for now;

The strategy aims for a billion-dollar collection to balance public accounts.

Coincidence or Global Strategy?

Both measures, although with different justifications, target international financial flows — something that until now had escaped direct taxation. On one side, Trump targets immigrants, while on the other, Lula targets the wealthy. But the practical effect is similar: making it more expensive to send money out of the country.

Impact on Cryptocurrencies: The Unexpected Factor

This new tax scenario could serve as a catalyst for the growth of cryptocurrency use. Here's why:

Decentralization: Bitcoin and other cryptos do not need intermediaries or banks to be sent abroad.

Low fees: Transaction costs are, in many cases, much lower than the new proposed rates.

Anonymity and privacy: For those who wish to avoid tax surveillance, cryptocurrencies remain the number one option.

Result? The demand for stablecoins (like USDT and USDC) and privacy coins (like Monero) may increase significantly in the coming months.

Conclusion: Two Presidents, One Path — and the Crypto Shortcut

Trump and Lula, ideologically opposed, seem to have reached the same conclusion: the money that leaves the country needs to be taxed. However, the population and investors are already starting to look for alternative routes — and cryptocurrencies emerge once again as a safety valve.

This unprecedented fiscal convergence could mark the beginning of a new race: not just for profits, but for financial freedom in times of surveillance and global taxation.