Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has responded strongly to former US President Donald Trump’s recent threats to impose heavy tariffs on Brazil.
Lula Reacts Strongly to Trump’s Tariff Threats
In a televised interview with CNN’s Christiane Amanpour, Lula made it clear that Trump was elected to lead the United States—not rule the world.
The situation began when Trump posted a letter on his social media platform, Truth Social, warning that the US would impose a 50% tariff on Brazilian imports starting August 1. Trump linked the tariff threat to legal troubles facing his ally, former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro.
Bolsonaro, who led Brazil before Lula, is facing trial in Brazil. He’s accused of trying to stage a coup after Lula won the 2022 presidential election. Bolsonaro might spend more than 40 years behind bars if convicted.
Trump’s remarks violate “protocol,” Lula retorted, adding that justice in Brazil is administered on its own. Lula asserted that the president had no authority over the judiciary. “As an individual, Bolsonaro is not on trial. He is being held accountable for attempting to plan a coup d’etat.
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Lula went on to say that Trump would likewise be on trial if he had committed the same crimes in Brazil as he did during the January 6th uprising in Washington, D.C. Lula said, “Trump would be arrested if he were Brazilian and did what he did at Capitol Hill.”
Brazil Pushes Back and Promises Retaliation
The Brazilian government has said that it will not sit quietly if Trump follows through on his tariff threat. Lula emphasized that Brazil would consider imposing equal tariffs on US products.
“Brazil will not accept anything imposed on it. We accept negotiation, not imposition,” Lula said. He also stressed that Brazil’s top priority is to protect its own people and economy.
Trump had sent similar letters to more than 20 countries, but Brazil is the first to publicly challenge him. It’s interesting to note that the US and Brazil have a trade surplus. The United States’ exports to Brazil exceeded its imports by $6.8 billion in 2023. Aircraft, fuels, industrial machinery such as nuclear reactors, and electrical equipment are among the top US exports to Brazil.
If Brazil imposes a 50% tariff on these American goods, it could hurt major US industries.
Speaking further with CNN, Lula expressed his disbelief at Trump’s public comments. I initially believed it to be fake news. It was rather disagreeable,” he remarked. Lula stated that he was still open to having a conversation with the US despite the severe tone.
“As a president, I am not progressive. I am Brazil’s president. Trump, not the far-right, is the US president in my opinion. “The American people elected him,” Lula explained. He emphasized that the best course of action is dialogue and diplomacy. He declared, “Sitting around a table and talking is the best thing in the world.”
US Probes Brazil Trade as Lula Defends Sovereignty
While tensions are high, the US has taken another serious step. The United States Trade Representative (USTR) formally opened an investigation into Brazil’s trade practices on Tuesday. This move is seen as an escalation in the ongoing trade disagreement.
The investigation will look into several areas. These include digital trade, electronic payment systems, and how Brazil sets its tariffs. The US also wants to examine if Brazil has made efforts to block anti-corruption investigations. Another focus will be on how Brazil protects intellectual property and whether it gives fair access to American ethanol producers.
The probe will even look at Brazil’s record on deforestation. If these actions are “unreasonable, discriminatory, or burden US trade,” the US wants to know.
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Lula made it apparent that Brazil desires a cordial partnership with the United States in spite of these assertive actions. Lula asserted that Brazil should prioritize its own interests over those of other countries.
The war of words and actions between the two countries is a rare example of a foreign nation standing up to Trump’s aggressive trade threats. Whether or not the tariffs actually go into effect remains to be seen, but both nations are clearly preparing for a deeper dispute.