On Wednesday, Brazilian President Luis Inacio Lula da Silva announced that he would not initiate trade discussions with President Trump, particularly after U.S. tariffs on Brazilian products jumped to 50%.
“I would reach out to him when my gut tells me he’s ready to talk,” Lula mentioned from his presidential residence. He continued, “But right now, my intuition suggests he isn’t interested, and I refuse to demean myself.”
Lula is finding it challenging to engage with Trump, who had close ties with Lula’s predecessor, Jair Bolsonaro, now facing criminal charges for actions aimed at undermining the current Brazilian government.
In light of the tariffs, Lula plans to focus on domestic strategies to cushion the economy and considers a joint response with other BRICS nations—an alliance that includes Brazil, Russia, China, India, and South Africa—against these tariffs.
“There’s been no formal discussions within BRICS yet, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t any,” Lula stated. “What kind of bargaining power does a small country like Brazil have against the U.S.? None at all.”
Late last year, BRICS members proposed establishing their own monetary system during a summit in Kazan, Russia, where they welcomed 13 new partner countries.
Trump has, however, dismissed these efforts, warning of consequences for financially supporting these nations. He stated, “We need a commitment from these countries to create new BRICS currencies. If they don’t, they’ll face 100% tariffs.”
“They can look for another ‘sucker’! There’s no way BRICS will replace the U.S. dollar in international trade. Countries trying to do so should say goodbye to the U.S.,” he added.
The trade rift has only widened due to Trump’s connection with Bolsonaro. Amid ongoing legal issues, the Trump administration approved strict restraints on Bolsonaro imposed by Brazil’s Supreme Federal Court Judge Alexandre de Moraes. Lula has publicly criticized Trump’s interference in Brazilian politics and his treatment of global leaders.
“It’s unacceptable for the U.S. president to think he can dictate the rules for sovereign nations like Brazil,” Lula remarked. “It was humiliating to see Trump treat Zelensky like that. No president should humiliate another.”
There’s anticipation that Lula and Trump might cross paths at the United Nations in September. Lula emphasized that he’s not overshadowed by the prospect of discussion, but he insists that any consultations should be genuine.
