"We Tried to Discuss Trump's Tariffs, But Washington Didn't Respond" — Brazilian President Lula da Silva
[São Paulo, July 27, 2025] — Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has accused the United States of ignoring attempts at dialogue regarding import tariffs imposed by U.S. President Donald Trump. Despite Brazil’s outreach, Washington has not responded to multiple requests to discuss the tariffs, which are set to go into effect on August 1st, raising duties on Brazilian goods by 50%.
Speaking in a Thursday address, Lula stated, “Brazil is a country that believes in dialogue. We have already held ten meetings with the United States. On May 16, we sent them a letter seeking clarification on their proposal. But we received no reply.”
He added that the only reaction from the U.S. came via a website — referring specifically to President Trump’s own social media platform, Truth Social, where a July 9 post officially announced the 50% tariff on Brazilian imports.
Trump has linked the tariff decision to the legal proceedings against former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, referring to Bolsonaro as a "victim of a political witch hunt."
However, that claim stands in stark contrast to ongoing investigations by Brazil’s Supreme Court and Federal Police. Bolsonaro’s home and political offices have been searched, he’s been forced to wear an ankle monitoring device, and he faces multiple restrictions on his social media use and political activities.
President Lula, delivering his remarks in the impoverished town of Vale do Jequitinhonha in the state of Minas Gerais, reaffirmed his stance: “Brazil’s resources must be defended.” It’s a message he has consistently repeated since trade tensions with the U.S. began.
Meanwhile, Brazil’s Vice President Geraldo Alckmin — who also serves as the country’s Trade Minister — revealed that he had a 50-minute phone call with U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick last Saturday. Although he did not disclose details of the conversation, Alckmin emphasized, “Brazil never walks away from the negotiating table. We didn’t create this problem, but we’re ready to solve it.”
Additionally, during a World Trade Organization (WTO) meeting on Wednesday, Brazil voiced its concerns over what it called “arbitrary tariffs.” Brazilian delegate Felipe Fox-Drummond Gaff stated, “These kinds of unilateral and chaotic tariff measures are disrupting global supply chains and pushing the world economy toward higher costs and stagnation.”
He further warned, “There is a dangerous trend of using tariffs as tools to interfere in the domestic politics of developing countries.”
