United States President Donald Trump said on Friday that Brazilian agent Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva can call him “when he wants” to discuss the 50% rates that Washington has applied to imports of Brazilian products.
Trump was asked about it during a news conference at the White House. “He [Lula] You can talk to me whenever you want, ”said the Republican, according to GloboNews.
Regarding the motivation for tariffs, Trump stated that “people who are commanding Brazil did the wrong thing” but love “the people of Brazil”. “Let’s see what happens,” he added.
In a letter sent to Lula on the 9th, Trump announced a 50% surcharge on importing Brazilian products and claimed that former President Jair Bolsonaro is a victim of judicial persecution at the Supreme Court (STF) trial on accusations of alleged coup attempt after the 2022 election.
It also stated that “secret and illegal” decisions of STF Minister Alexandre de Moraes regarding American Big Techs represented attacks on the freedom of expression of US citizens and that Brazil adopts unjust business practices against the United States.
Days later, the United States Commercial Representative office announced that he began an investigation into Brazil’s commercial practices.
Last Wednesday (30), Trump confirmed the tariffs about Brazil and Thursday (31), informed in an executive order that the surcharge over the countries affected by the tariff will come into force within seven days.
However, the 50% rate will not be applied to about 700 Brazilian products, including orange juice and pulp and civil aircraft.
