Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has criticized US President Donald Trump’s threat to impose 50 percent tariffs on Brazilian goods, saying that there is no “logic” to the move. Lula also called on Trump to respect Brazil’s sovereignty and not try to dictate terms to his country. In an interview, Lula stated that Trump’s approach to economic relations with other countries has been “surprising” and that Brazil will not accept any impositions.
“We cannot have President Trump forgetting that he was elected to govern the US, not to be the emperor of the world,” Lula said. The Brazilian president emphasized that his country will not take instructions from the US and will prioritize its own interests. Lula’s comments come after Trump threatened Brazil with tariffs and called for an end to the trial of right-wing ally Jair Bolsonaro.
The US has warned Brazil that it will be penalized with higher tariffs if it continues its work as a leading member of BRICS, a coalition of developing economies that have sought to promote alternatives to the US-backed global financial system. Trump has attacked the group for “anti-Western priorities” and threatened higher tariffs for any countries involved with the bloc. Lula has rejected the idea that Brazil will be swayed by US pressure, stating that his country will prioritize its own interests.
“Brazil is to take care of Brazil and take care of the Brazilian people, and to take not to take care of the interests of the others,” Lula said. “Brazil will not accept anything imposed on it. We accept negotiation and not imposition.” The Brazilian president’s comments reflect the country’s commitment to defending its sovereignty and promoting its own economic interests.
The tariff threat has sparked anger in Latin America, where the US has a long history of heavy-handed involvement in the domestic affairs of various nations. Lula’s comments reflect the region’s growing frustration with US economic policies and its desire for greater autonomy. The BRICS coalition has been gaining momentum in recent years, and the US threat to impose tariffs on its member countries could have significant implications for global trade relations.
As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how the US and Brazil will navigate their economic relations. Lula’s strong stance on defending Brazil’s sovereignty and interests is likely to resonate with many in the region, who are seeking greater autonomy and economic independence.