Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has declined US President Donald Trump’s open offer to discuss recent US-imposed 50% tariffs on Brazilian goods, choosing instead to pursue legal avenues via the WTO and deepen ties with BRICS nations.
Speaking at an event in Brasilia on Tuesday, Lula called the tariff announcement “the most regrettable moment” in US-Brazil relations and affirmed that Brazil would exhaust all available channels, including the World Trade Organisation, to defend its economic interests.
The tariffs were reportedly introduced in retaliation for what Trump called a “witch hunt” against former Brazilian president Jair Bolsonaro, who is currently on trial for allegedly attempting a post-election coup in 2022.
Rejecting any direct call with Trump, Lula said, “He doesn’t want to talk. I won’t call him, but I will speak to Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Modi.” He added he won’t call Russian President Vladimir Putin since he “can’t travel right now.”
Despite the rising tensions, Lula stated he will extend a formal invitation to Trump to attend COP30, the UN climate summit scheduled for November 2025 in Belem, Brazil. “If he doesn’t attend, it will be his choice—not due to a lack of courtesy,” Lula added.
While Trump has expressed openness to talks, Lula reiterated that any negotiation must be grounded in equality and mutual respect, reinforcing Brazil’s stance on sovereignty and fair trade.