Brazil to unveil countermeasures after US slaps 50% tariffs

Brazil’s President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has said his government is working on a firm response to new US tariffs of 50% on certain Brazilian goods, introduced on August 1.

Speaking on X, Lula said Brazil had been ready for dialogue with Washington but would now act to address the measures imposed by the White House, Caliber.Az reports.

Sempre estivemos abertos ao diálogo. Quem define os rumos do Brasil são os brasileiros e suas instituições. Neste momento, estamos trabalhando para proteger a nossa economia, as empresas e nossos trabalhadores, e dar as respostas às medidas tarifárias do governo norte-americano.

— Lula (@LulaOficial) August 1, 2025

“We have always been open to dialogue. At present, we are working to respond to the United States’ tariff measures,” he wrote.

The president stressed that only Brazil’s people and institutions have the authority to determine the country’s development path, including its relations with the United States.

US imposed a sweeping 50% tariff on most Brazilian imports, effective August 1. This move, one of the steepest in recent U.S. trade policy, was introduced by President Donald Trump as a retaliatory measure linked to Brazil's prosecution of former President Jair Bolsonaro.

The tariff affects a wide range of Brazilian goods, including chemicals, steel, and agricultural products. However, key exports such as coffee, orange juice, and aircraft are exempted from the new duties.

Despite these exemptions, the Brazilian chemical industry expressed significant concern, highlighting potential disruptions to supply chains and job losses.

By Aghakazim Guliyev