BRAZILIA – Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva on Wednesday announced a $5.5 billion plan to support exporters impacted by US tariffs of up to 50% on several Brazilian products. The package includes credit lines for exporters, tax relief for affected companies, and incentives to boost domestic production aimed at the US market. Lula signed an executive order to implement the measures immediately, but it will require congressional approval within four months to remain in effect.
Addressing the tariff dispute, Lula criticized Washington’s justification for the sanctions, saying, “What is unpleasant is that the reasons given to impose sanctions against Brazil do not exist.” He stressed that Brazil would not bow to pressure, framing the situation as an opportunity to innovate rather than a crisis to fear. Lula dismissed a US human rights report that accused his government of suppressing free speech and targeting journalists and politicians, asserting that Brazil’s judiciary operates independently.
Lula accused the US of trying to demonize Brazil in order to justify punitive actions. “Every time that our American friends decide to pick a fight with someone, they try to make the people they want to fight with look like demons,” he said. He also challenged Washington’s credibility on human rights, stating, “We have to look at what happens in the country that is accusing Brazil.”
