Texas - Saba:
US President Donald Trump announced Friday evening his intention to speak with Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva at some point, after threatening to impose 50% tariffs on Brazilian exports.
Trump told reporters while en route to Texas that he might speak later with Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, who had previously stated that he was seeking a diplomatic solution, but would take similar measures if the tariffs took effect on August 1 as announced.
Lula responded to Trump's threats by saying that his country would respond with "reciprocity," adding that Brazil is a sovereign state with independent institutions and "does not accept any form of tutelage."
The Brazilian government on Friday downplayed the impact of the 50% tariffs threatened by the US president on Brazilian goods, as leaders of both countries expressed cautious willingness to negotiate in the future.
The Brazilian government predicted that the tariffs would have a limited impact on economic growth this year, which is expected to reach 2.5%, noting that the damage would be limited to specific industrial sectors.
The United States imports large quantities of Brazilian oil, steel, pulp, coffee, orange juice, and meat, goods for which the government has said it can find alternative markets worldwide.