Brazilian President Pushes Back Against U.S. Tariffs
(MENAFN) Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva announced on Tuesday that Brazil will utilize every legal and diplomatic avenue available—including filing a case with the World Trade Organization (WTO)—to push back against newly imposed U.S. tariffs.
“In 2025, we will resort to all possible measures, starting with the WTO, to defend our interests,” said Lula during a speech in Brasilia. “In fact, the government was already taking action to strengthen foreign trade and generate new opportunities for domestic companies before the change of administration in the United States.”
Lula made it clear that he does not plan to speak directly with U.S. President Donald Trump about the trade dispute, stating that Trump "does not want to talk." However, he did confirm his intention to reach out to Trump to extend a formal invitation to COP30, the upcoming UN climate change conference scheduled for November in Belem, Para.
"You can be sure, I will call Trump to invite him to COP30 and find out his opinion on the climate issue. I will be kind enough to call him."
While speaking at a session of the Council for Sustainable Economic and Social Development at the presidential palace, Lula added that Trump’s attendance is entirely up to him. "It's because he doesn't want to, but it won't be for lack of education, friendliness, or democracy. I'll invite him!" he said.
The U.S. tariffs—set to take effect this Friday—will impose a 50% duty on goods imported from Brazil. Lula reiterated his openness to dialogue with the U.S. on the matter, but stressed that any negotiations must be conducted on the basis of equality and mutual respect, underscoring his stance on protecting Brazil’s sovereignty.
Diplomatic strains between Brasília and Washington have deepened in recent weeks, particularly after the U.S. sanctioned Brazilian Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes. The sanctions were related to his role in probing an alleged coup attempt tied to former President Jair Bolsonaro.
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