Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva delivered a strong rebuke to former U.S. President Donald Trump following the announcement of a 50% tariff on Brazilian imports. Lula invoked Brazil’s Economic Reciprocity Law and firmly rejected what he described as U.S. interference in Brazil’s sovereign judicial matters.
Trump, in a public letter on Wednesday, announced the new tariffs set to take effect from August 1, and controversially called for the cancellation of the trial of former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, who faces charges for allegedly plotting a coup d’état.
Responding swiftly, President Lula stated: “Brazil is a sovereign nation with independent institutions and will not accept any form of tutelage. The judicial proceedings concerning the attempted coup fall exclusively under the jurisdiction of Brazil’s Judicial Branch and will not be subject to external interference.”
Lula also disputed Trump’s claims of a U.S. trade deficit with Brazil, calling them “inaccurate.”
“U.S. government statistics themselves show a $410 billion trade surplus with Brazil in goods and services over the past 15 years. Any unilateral tariff increases will be met with reciprocal measures under our Economic Reciprocity Law,” Lula warned.
Trump further accused Brazil of restricting U.S. digital trade and promoting policies harmful to American tech companies. In response, Lula defended Brazil’s digital governance: “Freedom of expression in Brazil cannot be confused with hate speech, racism, child pornography, or violence. All companies, foreign or domestic, must comply with Brazilian law to operate in our territory.”
He emphasized that digital regulation in Brazil is designed to protect democracy and human rights, not to limit trade or stifle innovation.
Following Trump’s directive, the U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer has been asked to launch a Section 301 Investigation into Brazil’s trade practices, focusing on alleged unfair restrictions on U.S. digital exports.
Reaffirming Brazil’s global stance, Lula concluded: “Sovereignty, respect, and the unwavering defense of Brazilian interests are the principles that shape our relationship with the world.”
The diplomatic exchange marks a sharp escalation in U.S.–Brazil tensions, blending trade policy with political interference claims—underscoring the broader challenges in international governance and respect for national sovereignty.