10 hours ago
Last Updated:July 10, 2025, 07:10 IST
Brazilian President Lula da Silva warned of reciprocal action over Trump's proposed 50 per cent tariffs, asserting Brazil's sovereignty and rejecting US interference in judiciary.
File photos of Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva/Donald Trump (AP)
Brazil and the United States escalated their row on Thursday after Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva hit out at Donald Trump, saying that his nation would act with reciprocity, in reference to Trump’s 50 per cent tariff announcement on Brazil.
“Any measure to increase tariffs unilaterally will be responded to in light of Brazil’s Law of Economic Reciprocity," the Brazilian President said.
Lula also attacked Trump over his support for coup-accused ex-leader Jair Bolsonaro, and criticised his prosecution.
Bolsonaro is on trial for allegedly plotting to cling to power after losing the 2022 elections to Lula.
In a lengthy X post, the Brazilian President wrote, “In view of the public statement by the American president Donald Trump presented on a social network this Wednesday afternoon (9), it is important to emphasize: Brazil is a sovereign country with independent institutions that will not accept being tutored by anyone."
“The judicial process against those who planned the coup d’état is the sole responsibility of the Brazilian Judiciary and, therefore, is not subject to any kind of interference or threat that undermines the independence of national institutions," Lula wrote.
The Brazilian President also rejected Trump’s claim that Brazil’s efforts to regulate the operations of US social media platforms on its territory in accordance with its own laws are not, as Trump had claimed, a form of censorship.
“In the context of digital platforms, Brazilian society rejects content involving hate, racism, child pornography, scams, fraud, and speech against human rights and democratic freedom," Lula wrote.
“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," he added.
“It is false information, in the case of the commercial relationship between Brazil and the United States, regarding the alleged American deficit. Statistics from the United States government itself confirm a surplus of that country in the trade of goods and services with Brazil in the amount of 410 billion dollars over the last 15 years."
“In this sense, any measure to increase tariffs unilaterally will be responded to in light of Brazil’s Law of Economic Reciprocity. The respect and intransigent defense of the interests of the Brazilian people are the values that guide our relationship with the world," the Brazilian President wrote.
Vani Mehrotra is the Deputy News Editor at News18.com. She has nearly 10 years of experience in both national and international news and has previously worked on multiple desks.
Vani Mehrotra is the Deputy News Editor at News18.com. She has nearly 10 years of experience in both national and international news and has previously worked on multiple desks.
News world Will Be Responded To': Brazilian President Lula Hits Back At Donald Trump's 50% Tariff
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