Brazil invokes reciprocity law in response to US tariffs, Lula says
Brazil's Lula triggers a reciprocity law against US tariffs, seeking to assert strength while signaling openness to negotiations.
Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva announced on Friday that his government has activated a legal mechanism under an economic reciprocity law in response to tariffs imposed by the United States. The move, he said, is intended to demonstrate that Brazil must be treated with respect on the global stage.
The tariffs, introduced by former US President Donald Trump in July, affect hundreds of Brazilian exports, with duties reaching as high as 37.5% on certain products. Washington has accused Brazil of unfair trade practices, a charge Lula has rejected, calling the allegations politically motivated ahead of Brazil's October presidential election.
Lula, who is seeking reelection against Senator Flávio Bolsonaro — a Trump ally who met with US officials in Washington before the tariffs were proposed — said the invocation of the law was a necessary assertion of national dignity. "Yesterday, we invoked the reciprocity law to show that we are not to be taken lightly," Lula said in an interview with Brazilian podcasters. "We respect ourselves. I am very calm knowing what could happen, and I am prepared to debate the defense of Brazil anywhere in the world."
Brazil's Foreign Ministry issued a statement late Thursday confirming it is requesting diplomatic consultations with US counterparts. The ministry framed the move as consistent with Brazil's preference for dialogue and negotiation in international affairs.
Despite the strong rhetoric, triggering the reciprocity process does not automatically mean Brazil will retaliate. "I don't want any fight with the United States," Lula said. "Unfortunately, they are spreading falsehoods."
The tariff dispute is part of a broader strain in bilateral ties. Earlier this month, the US State Department revoked the visa of Brazil's ambassador to Washington, a response to Brazil's denial of visas for two American diplomats who had sought to visit ahead of the election. The US has also accused Brazil of delaying approval of Trump's nominee for ambassador in Brasília, while Brazilian officials argue Washington should have sought the government's consent before submitting the nomination to Congress, as per diplomatic protocol.
US officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, have indicated that Secretary of State Marco Rubio's limited response — revoking the ambassador's visa but not ordering her expulsion — was a deliberate effort to give Lula room to de-escalate. They have also warned that any further escalation from Brazil could prompt a swift response, including declaring the ambassador persona non grata.
Lula acknowledged that Trump has personally treated him well, but issued a firm warning: any foreign government that interferes in Brazil's election "will lose."