Brazil not to bow down to US, says Luiz Inácio Lula

August 15, 2025

Brasilia: President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva made clear Brazil won’t bend to U.S. pressure, pushing back against Donald Trump’s claim that Brazil is “a horrible trading partner.” Lula told an event in Pernambuco that the U.S. portrayal is false and that Brazil is strong enough to stand its ground without kowtowing to Washington.

“Brazil is a good partner. We just won’t bow down to the U.S. government,” Lula said, countering Trump’s remarks, including his criticism that Brazil’s handling of the Bolsonaro case amounts to a political show trial.

Earlier in the day, Trump described Brazil as a “horrible trading partner,” while Lula said democracy is delivering judgment on Bolsonaro in Brazil.

The day’s headlines also included Brazil’s response to U.S. tariffs. On Wednesday, Brasília announced a package of measures to cushion exporters hit by a 50% tariff. The Sovereign Brazil package aims to support small businesses and producers of perishable goods with about 30 billion reais (roughly $5.56 billion) in affordable loans, tax breaks, and other reliefs. The plan also streamlines procurement for affected rural and agro-industrial sectors, updates the export guarantee system, and restarts a tax-refund program across the production chain.

Speaking at the launch, Lula rejected the U.S. justification for the tariffs, saying there are no valid grounds for taxing Brazilian products and stressing that Brazil won’t retaliate immediately. He emphasized Brazil’s commitment to negotiating rather than escalating tensions.

The president also noted that Brazil’s stance on human rights remains firm, arguing that accusations of arbitrary trials and interference are unfounded. While the tariff may be unjustified, Lula asserted that Brazil would handle the situation through dialogue and careful diplomacy, rather than rash moves that could worsen relations.