Newspapers around the world reported on the imposition of a 50% tariff announced by U.S. President Donald Trump on all Brazilian products exported to the United States.
In a letter posted on social media and addressed to President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, Trump says the tariffs will take effect on August 1st.
In the document, Trump justifies the measure by citing former President Jair Bolsonaro, who is a defendant in the Supreme Federal Court (STF) for attempted coup d’état. The U.S. leader also highlighted orders issued by the Court against Bolsonaro supporters who reside in the United States.
In response, Lula stated that the tariff hike will be met with the Economic Reciprocity Law. Also via social media, the president defended Brazilian sovereignty and said that Trump’s claim that the taxation would be applied due to a trade deficit with Brazil is false.
“In this regard, any unilateral measure to raise tariffs will be responded to under the Brazilian Economic Reciprocity Law. Sovereignty, respect, and the uncompromising defense of the Brazilian people’s interests are the values that guide our relationship with the world,” Lula stated.
See the coverage of the case in major international newspapers:
• The New York Times
The U.S. newspaper The New York Times cited a “sudden trade war” between the United States and Brazil and highlighted what Trump calls a “witch hunt” against Bolsonaro.
The outlet also reported Lula’s reaction to the letter, saying that Brazil will respond to the tariff hike with the Economic Reciprocity Law.
• The Washington Post
The U.S. newspaper The Washington Post assessed that the announcement of the tariff hike against Brazil marks a “strong escalation” in the diplomatic dispute between the two countries regarding the trial of former President Jair Bolsonaro.
The periodical also highlighted that the Brazilian government promised “retaliation”.
• The Guardian
The British newspaper highlighted that the latest threats from the U.S. president increase fears that Trump’s “erratic trade strategy” could worsen inflation in the United States.
• Clarín
The Argentine Clarín cited a “drastic increase” in tariffs by Trump on Brazilian products and the consequent worsening of the conflict between the two countries.
The outlet highlighted the “increase in tensions” due to the White House’s support for former President Jair Bolsonaro.
• Deutsche Welle
The German periodical Deutsche Welle highlighted Trump’s tariff hike in support of Bolsonaro and also Lula’s response to the announcement, citing that the Brazilian classified as “false” the claim that the 50% taxation would be due to the U.S. trade deficit with Brazil.
• Le Monde
The French daily Le Monde assessed that Donald Trump “uses tariffs” to support former President Jair Bolsonaro.
The periodical cited that the U.S. leader accused Lula of conducting a “witch hunt” against his predecessor, currently on trial for attempted coup d’état.
• El país
For the Spanish El País, the U.S. president has crossed limits in his trade threats, citing the taxation of eight more countries in order to pressure them to negotiate before the August 1st deadline.
Fonte: Agência Brasil