Brazilian President has vowed to impose reciprocal tariffs on the U.S. if the Trump Administration moves forward with new trade restrictions on Brazilian goods
The President of Brazil – Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has vowed to impose reciprocal tariffs on the United States (U.S.), if the Trump Administration moves forward with new trade restrictions on Brazilian goods.
Addressing a Press Conference, Lula said that Brazil seeks a relationship based on mutual respect and will and will not hesitate to defend its economic interests.
He said, “It is very simple: If he taxes Brazilian products, there will be reciprocity. Trump was elected to run the U.S., and I was elected to run Brazil. I will respect the U.S. and want Trump to respect Brazil. That’s all.”
Lula’s firm stance comes in response to U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent threats of heightened tariffs against key trade partners. The latest developments signal the growing risk of a trade war, with potential repercussions for U.S.-Latin American relations. Trump has touted tariffs as a mechanism to boost domestic industry and force international rivals to accede to demands ranging from manufacturing to migration.
Earlier this week, Trump also threatened significant tariffs against Colombia after President – Gustavo Petro initially refused to permit a U.S. military flight carrying undocumented immigrants to land. Petro objected to the U.S. treatment of the immigrants, some of whom were reportedly handcuffed. Following a tense exchange, Petro relented, allowing future flights to proceed, though not without voicing strong criticism of U.S. immigration policies.
Trump has since doubled down on his protectionist approach, stating that he intends to impose 25% tariffs on Canada and Mexico, two of the U.S.’s largest trading partners. According to Trump, such measures would incentivize these countries to enhance border security and curb the flow of drugs and migrants into the U.S.
The U.S. maintains a trade deficit with Brazil, importing key commodities such as coffee, oil, steel, aircraft, and orange juice while exporting energy products, pharmaceuticals, and aircraft parts. In 2024, Brazil exported U.S. $ 337 billion in goods to the U.S. while importing U.S.. $262.5 billion, according to Brazil’s Foreign Trade Secretariat.
The U.S. tariffs could disrupt this economic balance and push Brazil further into China’s economic orbit. In recent years, China has become the primary trading partner for most South American nations, expanding its influence in the region as U.S. relations fluctuate.
Latin America has long been wary of U.S. interventionist policies, and the prospect of a trade war has sparked concerns across the region. Lula, who assumed his third non-consecutive term in 2023 after defeating Trump’s ally – Jair Bolsonaro, has governed Brazil under both Republican and Democratic U.S. Administrations. He reaffirmed that Brazil’s relationship with the U.S. must remain one of sovereign equality.
