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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.
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The urgent need to implement a severe cut in public spending and a massive increase in taxes, in addition to drastically compromising the quality of basic services and the purchasing power of the population, could result in social unrest in the country, with the population leading protests, strikes, and frequent disturbances.
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FIRJAN’s mega plan of R$ 526.3 billion for Rio de Janeiro aims to revive Brazil’s largest industry, with two-thirds of the investments going to oil and gas.
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China signals an increase in beef imports, Brazil has already consumed 70% of the 1.106 million ton quota and seeks to renegotiate the tariff that jumps from 12% to 55%, while demand from the US also skyrockets.
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Food inflation rose 302% in 20 years in Brazil, but the supermarket changed: purchasing power yielded 87% more mortadella and 31% less fruit, and ultra-processed foods took over the cart.
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.