Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has taken a firm stance against proposed U.S. trade measures, denouncing 50% tariffs on Brazilian goods as “abrupt and unilateral” during a speech in Rio de Janeiro. The leader emphasized Brazil’s sovereignty over its mineral resources while inaugurating a new thermoelectric plant.
Defending Economic Sovereignty
Lula rejected U.S. pressure to include Brazil’s rare earth minerals in trade negotiations, stating: “These resources belong to the Brazilian people – they must benefit from this wealth.” With only 30% of Brazil’s mineral potential explored, the president announced a new commission to map untapped resources and enforce strict government oversight on exploration rights.
Call for Diplomatic Solutions
Urging Washington to pursue dialogue, Lula remarked: “This is what civilized nations do.” His comments highlight growing tensions between emerging economies and traditional trade powers, as nations increasingly seek to protect strategic assets in the green energy transition.
