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Key Points

Brazilian VP Geraldo Alckmin called Trump's 50% tariff hike unjust, citing a US trade surplus. President Lula vowed reciprocal measures under Brazilian law. During talks with Indonesia's Prabowo, Lula pushed for a Mercosur-ASEAN trade deal. He also condemned Gaza violence while avoiding direct mention of Israel.

Key Points: Brazil VP Alckmin Slams Trump's 50% Tariff as Unjust

  • Alckmin disputes Trump's tariff citing US trade surplus with Brazil
  • Lula warns of reciprocity under Brazilian law
  • Brazil seeks ASEAN trade deal revival under Mercosur
  • Lula condemns Gaza violence during Indonesia talks
2 min read

Brazilian VP decries Trump's tariff as being 'unjust'

Brazilian VP Geraldo Alckmin criticizes Trump's new 50% tariff, calling it unjust while Lula vows reciprocal action and ASEAN trade push.

"I see no reason to increase tariffs on Brazil. Brazil is not a problem for the United States. – Geraldo Alckmin"

Sao Paulo, July 10

Brazil's Vice President Geraldo Alckmin has said that it was "unjust" for US President Donald Trump to impose a 50 per cent tariff on Brazilian products.

"I see no reason to increase tariffs on Brazil. Brazil is not a problem for the United States; it is important to reiterate that. The United States has a trade deficit, but a surplus with Brazil. Of the 10 products they most export to us, eight have a zero (tariff) rate, paying no taxes," Alckmin said in statements.

On Wednesday, Trump announced a 50 per cent tariff on Brazilian goods imported into the United States starting August 1.

Meanwhile, Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva said that any unilateral measure to raise tariffs will be responded to in light of Brazil's economic reciprocity law.

"In view of the public statement by US President Donald Trump presented on a social network Wednesday afternoon, it is important to emphasise: Brazil is a sovereign country with independent institutions that will not accept being tutored by anyone," Lula said on X.

"It is false information, in the case of the commercial relationship between Brazil and the United States, regarding the alleged American deficit. Statistics from the United States government itself confirm a surplus of that country in the trade of goods and services with Brazil in the amount of 410 billion dollars over the last 15 years," he said.

The Brazilian President also said that he will use Brazil's rotating presidency of the Southern Common Market, or Mercosur, to resume negotiations for a free trade agreement with Indonesia, Xinhua news agency reported.

Lula made the remarks during talks with visiting Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto.

"Mercosur's Brazilian presidency will, with its partners, resume negotiations to conclude an agreement with Indonesia," Lula said.

Lula thanked Prabowo for supporting closer ties between Brazil and ASEAN, and confirmed he will attend the bloc's summit in Malaysia in October and pay a state visit to Indonesia.

"ASEAN is a bloc of 680 million people and has experienced accelerated economic growth and rapid technological evolution," he said.

Lula also reiterated opposition to the war in Gaza, though he did not explicitly name Israel.

"Our countries have also tirelessly denounced the atrocities committed against the Palestinian population in Gaza," he said.

-- IANS

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Interesting how Brazil is looking towards ASEAN countries now. India should also strengthen ties with Mercosur nations - we have so much potential for trade in agriculture and pharmaceuticals!
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Arjun K
While I support Brazil's stance, Lula shouldn't have mixed trade issues with Gaza conflict. Focus on one battle at a time. Trade negotiations need clear focus without political distractions.
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Sarah B
The 410 billion dollar surplus figure is eye-opening! Shows how trade data can be manipulated for political narratives. India should take notes - we need better trade data transparency too.
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Vikram M
Brazil's move to strengthen ASEAN ties is smart strategy. India should do the same - diversify our trade partners beyond US and Europe. Too many eggs in one basket is risky business!
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Kavya N
I appreciate how Brazil is standing up for itself, but hope this doesn't escalate into full trade war. Global economy is already struggling, we don't need more disruptions 😟

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