Lula Vows to Fight US Tariffs Through WTO, Says He’ll Still Invite Trump to COP30
Brasília – Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva declared Tuesday that his country will use all available means, including action at the World Trade Organization (WTO), to push back against the United States’ newly imposed tariffs on Brazilian imports.
“In 2025, we will resort to all possible measures, starting with the WTO, to defend our interests,” Lula said during a public event in Brasília. He emphasized that the Brazilian government had already been taking steps to boost foreign trade and open new opportunities for domestic industries well before the recent U.S. policy shift.
Despite the rising tensions, Lula said he would not reach out to U.S. President Donald Trump to directly discuss the tariffs, stating, “He does not want to talk.” Still, Lula announced he would contact Trump to personally invite him to COP30, the UN climate summit set to take place in November in Belém, Pará. “You can be sure, I will call Trump to invite him to COP30 and find out his opinion on the climate issue. I will be kind enough to call him.”
Speaking during a Council for Sustainable Economic and Social Development meeting at the presidential palace, Lula added that if Trump declines the invitation, “it’s because he doesn’t want to, but it won’t be for lack of education, friendliness, or democracy. I’ll invite him!”
Starting Friday, Brazilian products imported into the U.S. will be subject to a 50% tariff, a move that has raised concerns in Brasília. While Lula has expressed openness to negotiation, he made clear that any dialogue with Washington must be based on mutual respect and equality, reaffirming his commitment to protecting Brazil’s sovereignty.
The new tariffs come amid broader tensions between the two countries, particularly after the U.S. sanctioned Brazilian Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes for his role in investigations into an alleged coup attempt linked to former President Jair Bolsonaro.
