
Geopolitical tensions: Lula denounces Trump’s “blackmail” against a backdrop
A new trade tug-of-war opens between Washington and Brasilia. US President Donald Trump is threatening to impose a 50% tariff surcharge on Brazilian exports from August 1st, in retaliation for what he sees as a political attack on his ally Jair Bolsonaro.
Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva speaks of “unacceptable blackmail” and accuses Washington of ignoring his attempts at dialogue since May. He points out that the US has had a $410 billion trade surplus with Brazil for 15 years, rejecting any accusation of unfair competition.
Behind this trade crisis, it’s above all the political conflict surrounding Bolsonaro that is fuelling tensions. The former Brazilian president, who is close to Trump, is on trial for attempted coup d’état. This legal case is visibly irritating Washington, where Trump is asking for the prosecution to be dropped via a public letter.
As a result, trade relations between the two giants could deteriorate sharply, at the risk of impacting key sectors such as agri-food and metallurgy, where Brazil remains a major exporter to the United States.
Brasilia reaffirms its commitment to multilateralism and economic sovereignty, but the tariff threat could, in the short term, slow down its exports and weaken its trade surplus with the USA.
As a result, trade relations between the two giants could deteriorate sharply, at the risk of impacting key sectors such as agri-food and metallurgy, where Brazil remains a major exporter to the USA.
Brasilia reaffirms its commitment to multilateralism and economic sovereignty, but the tariff threat could, in the short term, slow down its exports and weaken its trade surplus with the USA.
source: africa news