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Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva condemned the new U.S. import tariffs on Thursday, promising swift and “reciprocal” retaliatory measures.
Lula’s office denounced the unilateral duties as a “lamentable outcome” and noted that Brazil already treats American goods highly favourably.
To support this claim, the president noted that 76 per cent of U.S. imports entered Brazil tax-free last year.
Lula rejected U.S. accusations of unfair trade practices, particularly Washington’s claims that illegal Amazon deforestation and the PIX digital payment system disadvantage American businesses.
Brazilian officials countered the environmental charges by presenting data that shows deforestation in the Amazon recently fell to its lowest point since 2019.
The president framed the U.S. decision as an unwarranted attack on Brazilian economic sovereignty.
The tariff dispute has quickly escalated political friction as Brazil approaches its October presidential election.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio directly blamed the Brazilian leader for the trade breakdown, claiming Lula chose to prioritise his own ego over negotiating a fair deal.
While U.S. officials state they remain open to talks, Lula’s administration is preparing to counter the new duties to protect domestic industries and the welfare of the Brazilian people.
