Portuguese 
English 
Spanish 
3 min of reading 
2 comments 
Lula Promises New Markets and Resumes Criticism of US Sanctions. President Asserts That He Will Seek to Expand Trade Agreements and Emphasizes That Brazilian Sovereignty Is Non-Negotiable in Light of Restrictions Imposed by Washington
President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva stated that Brazil will seek new markets to compensate for the trade barriers imposed by the United States. During his speech, Lula harshly criticized the sanctions, labeling them as unjustified and motivated by political and ideological reasons. He emphasized that Brazilian sovereignty is “untouchable” and that the country will continue negotiating with nations willing to maintain balanced trade relations.
According to Lula, unilateral measures like those imposed against Brazil harm global trade and threaten multilateralism. He said that he does not intend to enter into direct conflict with the US, but that if necessary, the government will seek export alternatives to countries like India, China, Russia, and BRICS members.
Criticism of Sanctions and Defense of Brazilian Democracy
Lula stated that there are no legitimate trade reasons for Brazil to be targeted by US sanctions, recalling that over the last 15 years, the US has accumulated a surplus of more than US$ 410 billion in the bilateral trade balance. He also rebutted accusations of human rights violations and assured that the country maintains an independent judiciary aligned with democratic rules.
-
The largest food company on the planet, JBS, has just opened a 4,000 square meter laboratory in Florianópolis to develop customized proteins that modulate muscle mass gain, immune response, and metabolic performance.
-
After nearly 30 bids and competition among industry giants, a Spanish company purchases one of the largest airports in Brazil for almost R$ 3 billion and takes over the management of Galeão in a concession that will last until 2039.
-
The Federal Revenue Service now automatically cross-references everything you declare with data from banks, credit cards, brokerage firms, and insurance companies, and any discrepancy between your income and your expenses triggers an alert in seconds.
-
Amid global tensions, Brazil blocks the United States’ proposal at the WTO and paves the way for a trade crisis and possible retaliations.
The president emphasized that the trials of those involved in the January 8 attacks follow constitutional principles and that this process is proof of democratic maturity. In a critical tone, he accused Washington of creating “images of enemies” to justify international conflicts.
Diversification Strategy for Trade
Lula reported that Brazil opened 400 new markets in two and a half years and will continue to expand export agreements. He cited as a recent example the sale of beef and offal to the Philippines and mentioned that trade agendas are already scheduled with India and Vietnam. The objective is to broaden the range of partners, reduce dependence on a few markets, and strengthen Brazil’s position in global trade.
The president also advocated for the domestic market as an alternative in case of a contraction in exports. According to him, Brazil has the potential to absorb part of the production that currently goes abroad, ensuring income and stability for producers and workers.
Relationship With the US and the Role of Multilateralism
Despite the criticisms, Lula stated that he does not intend to break trade ties with the United States, but demanded “mutual respect” and balanced treatment. He warned that actions like the current sanctions weaken the multilateral trading system, which has already been weakened since the US left the WTO negotiations in 2008.
The president highlighted that Brazil seeks to strengthen BRICS as a forum for cooperation and that the bloc could discuss joint strategies to face unilateral measures. “The world is large and willing to negotiate with Brazil,” he stated.
Lula concluded his speech by calling for the Congress to expedite the voting of measures to minimize the impacts of the sanctions. He reaffirmed that the country will continue to prioritize dialogue but will not hesitate to act to protect its economic and political interests.
Do you agree with the government’s strategy of seeking new markets in response to US sanctions? Do you believe this measure strengthens or weakens Brazil in the international arena? Leave your opinion in the comments.
Adolf trump age como um naz ista econômico. Eu não compro mais nada de empresas americanas.
Concordo com o livre comércio. A medida adotada pelo governo brasileiro somente fortalece o país no cenário internacional.