Statements by the President of the Republic, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva (PT), and the president of the United States, Donald Trumpon Thursday (17), increased the tension around the imposition of the American tariff of 50% on Brazilian products.
Meanwhile, Brazil follows without advances for concrete resolution to the problem. The tariff comes into force on August 1.
In an interview with CNN– By means of letter on social networks.
“We can’t let President Trump forget that he was elected to rule the US. He was not elected to be the emperor of the world,” said the Brazilian president.
The White House response was quick.
“The president is certainly not trying to be the emperor of the world. And we saw a big change around the world due to the strong leadership of this president,” Trump government spokesman Karoline Leavitt said.
In addition to directly attacking Trump, – a measure that displeases Trump, known for his history of protection of Silicon Valley giants.
“This country is sovereign only because the Brazilian people are proud of this country. I wanted to tell you that we will judge and charge taxes from US companies,” Lula said at an event in Goiania. He did not detail which companies would be affected or how this taxation would occur.
Questioned by CNNGovernment leaders in Congress could not explain how the charge would be given, nor are they expected to implement any implementation. Lula’s speech reactivated criticism from the United States, which accuses Brazil of maintaining rules that harm American companies.
“We have known for years that Brazil’s digital regulations and poor intellectual property protection undermine US technology and innovation companies. Their tolerance to illegal deforestation and other environmental practices places American producers, manufacturers and ranchers at competitive disadvantage,” said Karoline Leavitt.
Vice-President and Minister of Industry, Geraldo Alckmin (PSB), has even stated that reversing the tariff is more urgent than US investigation against these alleged practices. He continues this Friday (18) with meetings with entrepreneurs from sectors that will be impacted by the tariffs. However, the perception between governors and opponents is that the federal government has not yet been able to consolidate an effective negotiation channel with US authorities.
The escalation of tension causes concern in the Brazilian private sector, especially among representatives of industry and agribusiness, who fear that the political conflict among leaders make the negotiation of an agreement on tariff unfeasible. Entrepreneurs involved in the conversations with the Brazilian government report insecurity about the direction of the process.
Amid the difficulties of the Brazilian government to get a positive signaling from the United States, Jair Bolsonaro performed to try to negotiate with Trump. “If Lula signals to me, I know it is not he will give the passport, I negotiate with Trump.”
At the same time, Eduardo Bolsonaro (PL-SP), a licensed federal deputy and son of the former president, about his attempt to convince the US government to impose sanctions on Minister Alexandre de Moraes of the Supreme Court.
The Bolsonaro clan also bets on a possible Trump support gesture to boost the amnesty project that is processed in Congress-a proposal that would benefit the former Brazilian president. However, Congress has recessed without advancing on the subject.
. The Republican has asked the trial against the former Brazilian president to be immediately interrupted.
He also attacked the Lula administration, claiming to expect the Planalto Palace “Change De Route”, in reference to what he classified as “attacks on opponents” and “ridiculous regime of censorship.”
