Brazil moves WTO in protest over 50% tariffs: Lula rules out call with Trump; plans talks with PM Modi, Xi
NEW DELHI: Brazil has initiated formal consultations at the World Trade Organization (WTO) over US President Donald Trump’s decision to impose 50% tariffs on Brazilian imports, escalating diplomatic tensions between the two nations. The tariffs, which came into effect this week, are expected to impact 35.9% of Brazilian goods exported to the US, amounting to roughly 4% of the country’s total exports, according to an unnamed Brazilian official cited by the AP.While Trump had said that Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva could “call him anytime” to resolve trade issues, Lula responded on Tuesday, saying, “I will not call Trump because he does not want to talk.”Instead, Lula said he intends to reach out to other world leaders over the matter, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping. “I might instead invite him (Trump) to attend COP (November’s climate summit) in Belem,” he added.The Brazilian government believes the WTO process could be lengthy and uncertain. Lula has reiterated that the trade body requires reforms to better manage global trade disputes.The conflict extends beyond trade. The US has also sanctioned Brazilian supreme court Justice Alexandre de Moraes under the Magnitsky Act, citing alleged human rights violations related to the ongoing trial of former President Jair Bolsonaro. Bolsonaro is under house arrest and faces charges of attempting to overturn the 2022 election results. Trump has described the prosecution as a “witch hunt.” Brazil has rejected the US claims, asserting the independence of its judiciary. Justice de Moraes has said he will disregard the sanctions and continue his judicial responsibilities.In a bid to defuse tensions, a delegation of Brazilian senators visited Washington last month to present economic concerns and urge cooperation. However, they reported encountering “ideologically charged” views and limited access to key decision-makers within the White House.
