President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva stated that Brazil does not accept being offended by any nation, in apparent reference to the tariff increase imposed by the United States. However, he warned that he will only comment on the measure after his colleague Donald Trump does so.
“This country must hold its head high because we do not accept that any other nation in the world wrongs Brazil. We want respect, in the same way that we will respect everyone,” he declared during an official event in Rio de Janeiro, accompanied by several ministers and Governor Ricardo Couto de Castro.
Strategic waiting
Lula added that he will wait for Trump’s statements before referring to the “increase in tariffs,” thus avoiding a direct exchange of accusations. “I’m going to wait to talk about the tariff when Trump speaks out. As long as he doesn’t speak, I won’t speak either, because we are going to show that no one beats Brazil with lies,” he said.
The Brazilian government, through its ministers, described as “unjustified” the 25% increase in the rates applied to the South American country’s exports. Washington’s decision has generated trade tension, although Lula opts for a prudent and conditional stance.
Regional context
The US measure impacts key sectors of the Brazilian economy, such as steel and aluminum. Brazil has historically maintained a complex trade relationship with the United States, alternating conflicts and agreements. Lula’s strategy seeks to avoid an escalation while evaluating possible retaliation or negotiations.
Analysts believe that the president’s momentary silence seeks to pressure Trump to take the first step, preventing Brazil from being seen as the initiator of a trade war. The international community is closely watching the development of this dispute between two of the largest economies on the continent.
