Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has said his country will respond in kind to any new tariffs imposed by the United States, but stressed that Brazil will pursue all diplomatic channels before resorting to retaliation.
Speaking to journalists on Wednesday following the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) summit in Honduras, Lula made clear that while Brazil is prepared to defend its economic interests, it prefers dialogue over confrontation.
“We will use every word for negotiation that is in the dictionary,” Lula said, underscoring his administration’s commitment to resolving trade tensions through diplomacy. He added that once negotiations have been fully explored, Brazil “will make the appropriate decisions” regarding a potential reciprocal response.
The comments come amid rising global trade tensions, with several countries reacting to recent tariff announcements by the United States. While Lula did not specify which sectors or products might be affected, his message reflected a measured approach: firm in principle but open to dialogue.
Brazil and the United States maintain significant trade ties, and analysts note that a swift escalation in tariffs could have ripple effects across multiple industries. Lula’s remarks suggest that while Brazil is unwilling to remain passive in the face of protectionist measures, it is equally committed to preserving its diplomatic standing and economic stability.
As the situation develops, international observers will be watching closely to see whether talks between the two nations can prevent a full-scale trade dispute.
Melissa Enoch
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