Brazilian President Lula Da Silva Responds to US Tariff Announcement

Following the announcement by US President Donald Trump imposing a new 50% tariff on Brazilian goods, Brazilian President Lula Da Silva has warned of reciprocal actions, marking a significant escalation in trade tensions between the two nations.

Brazil's Stand on Sovereignty and Trade

"Brazil is a sovereign nation with independent institutions that will not accept being dictated to by anyone," stated President Lula Da Silva in a post on X, emphasizing the country's stance on the recent tariff imposition.

He further clarified that the claim of a US trade deficit with Brazil is unfounded, citing US government statistics that show a surplus for the US in trade with Brazil over the past 15 years.

Legal and Economic Repercussions

President Lula Da Silva highlighted that any unilateral increase in tariffs by the US would be met with a response in accordance with Brazilian Economic Reciprocity Law, underlining the legal framework Brazil intends to use in its countermeasures.

The tension arises amidst Trump's support for former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, who faces charges related to an alleged coup attempt against the current government.

Commitment to Brazilian Legislation

"In Brazil, freedom of expression is not to be confused with aggression or violent practices. To operate in our country, all national and foreign companies are subject to Brazilian legislation," Silva added, reinforcing the country's legal standards for all entities operating within its borders.