Brazil President Lula Rejects US 50% Tariff Threat Amid Trade Spat

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has strongly opposed U.S. President Donald Trump's threat to impose a 50% tariff on Brazilian imports starting August 1, calling the move a break from diplomatic protocol and asserting that Trump was elected to lead the U.S., not to be "the emperor of the world." Lula linked Trump's tariff threat to Bolsonaro's ongoing trial for allegedly attempting a coup, emphasizing the independence of Brazil's judiciary and rejecting any connection between the trial and trade negotiations. Lula expressed disbelief and disappointment at the tariff announcement, initially thinking it was fake news, and stated Brazil will not accept impositions but is open to negotiations while preparing to respond to the tariffs if implemented. He criticized Trump’s framing of Brazil as responsible for trade imbalances and highlighted Brazil’s commitment to protecting its sovereignty and people’s interests. Despite the tensions, Lula said he did not yet see a full crisis between Brazil and the U.S. and called for negotiation over confrontation. Brazil has vowed reciprocal tariffs if Trump follows through, marking a significant escalation in the U.S.-Brazil trade dispute.