Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva strongly pushed back on Thursday against US President Donald Trump's suggested trade tariffs, stating that he would not be bossed around by a "foreign leader."
His remarks were made amid mounting tensions between the two nations over a recent US-imposed tariff on Brazilian products.
Addressing two different public gatherings, Lula condemned the suggested 50% tariff—effective in August—as coercion. "There are no victors in trade wars. We are a peaceful nation, without adversaries," Lula posted on social media platform X. "We are pro-multilateralism and pro-cooperation between countries. But let nobody forget that Brazil has only one owner — the Brazilian people."
The tensions between Brasília and Washington escalated after the US imposed a severe tariff last week, an action that Trump said was in retaliation for Brazil's treatment of former President Jair Bolsonaro and Brazilians' discriminatory treatment of US companies. The news followed shortly after Trump was condemned by Lula, who referred to him as an "emperor" the world no longer wants.
Lula and his government officials since have dismissed the basis for the tariff, reaffirming Brazil's independence and urging dialogue with Washington over punishment by trade.
No gringo is going to issue orders to this president," Lula declared firmly, using the Brazilian slang term gringo to describe foreigners. The remark came during a speech to a meeting of leftist student activists in the state of Goiás. He also employed the moment to reiterate Brazil's commitment to taxing and regulating US-headquartered tech firms, which he blamed for diffusing toxic misinformation and facilitating violence in the name of free speech.
In the evening, Lula spoke to the country through a television address, emphasizing that defending the sovereignty of Brazil meant resisting foreign online platforms and overseas economic pressure. He further disclosed that, in May, Brazil had opened talks with the US by making a formal trade bid.
We were expecting an answer, and what we got was unacceptable blackmail, in the form of threats against Brazilian institutions and lies about trade between Brazil and the United States," Lula said in the nearly five-minute national address, Reuters reports.
Though tensions continue to simmer, Brazilian officials indicate the door to diplomacy is ajar. Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira spoke to CNN Brasil and indicated Lula will sit down and talk with Trump if an appropriate opportunity presents itself. "If the situation is provided, they will speak," he said.
Meanwhile, the government of Brazil is negotiating with domestic industries and firms that stand to be hit by the tariffs and is laying the groundwork for retaliatory measures in the event that negotiations do not produce any outcomes.
Lula, in his third non-consecutive term as head of state, has witnessed a slight increase in his popularity rating following the standoff, as popular opinion unites behind his strong stand on defending national interests.
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