Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva described as "unacceptable blackmail" the threat of US President Donald Trump to impose 50% tariffs on Brazilian exports. His statement was made during a speech broadcast on national television and distributed by the "Agence France-Presse", quoted by BTA.
On July 9, Trump announced that 50% additional tariffs on imports from Brazil would be introduced from August 1. As a reason, he cited the alleged "political persecution" of former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, accused of an attempted coup.
In his address, Lula sharply criticized both the threat from the American side, as well as local politicians who support it:
„Brazil has only one master - the people of Brazil. Politicians who side with foreign interests against their homeland are traitors.“
Despite the harsh reaction, Lula assured that his country would continue to maintain good trade and diplomatic relations with the United States, emphasizing dialogue and mutual respect.
Meanwhile, Trump published a letter to Bolsonaro on the social network „Truth Social“, in which he supported him and called on the Brazilian government to „end the attacks“ against the former president.
„I have seen the terrible treatment you are receiving at the hands of an unjust system... this process must end immediately“, Trump wrote.
Jair Bolsonaro, who has governed Brazil since 2019 to 2022, is on trial for inciting a coup attempt after losing the election. If convicted, he could face up to 40 years in prison.