President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva’s statement to the nation
My dear friends,
Last week, we were taken by surprise by a letter from the US President announcing a 50% tax on Brazilian products, effective August 1.
Brazil has always remained open to dialogue. We held more than 10 meetings with the US government — and submitted a proposal for negotiation on May 16. We expected a response, but what came was unacceptable blackmail in the form of threats against Brazilian institutions, and false information about trade between Brazil and the United States of America.
Brazil has an independent Judiciary. In our country, we respect the due process of law, the presumption of innocence adversarial proceedings, and broad defense. Trying to interfere in the Brazilian justice system is a serious attack on national sovereignty.
Only a sovereign nation is capable of creating jobs, combating inequalities, ensuring access to health and education, promoting sustainable development, and generating the opportunities people need to improve their lives.
My indignation is even greater because I know that this attack on Brazil has the support of certain Brazilian politicians. They are true traitors to the homeland. They thrive on chaos and root for failure. They have no regard for the country's economy or for the harm inflicted on our people.
My friends, the defense of our sovereignty also extends to the operation of foreign digital platforms in Brazil. To operate in our country, all national and foreign companies are required to comply with our laws.
In Brazil no one — absolutely no one — is above the law. We must protect Brazilian families from individuals and organizations that exploit digital networks to promote scams and fraud; commit acts of racism; incite violence against women, and attack democracy. These networks also fuel hatred, violence, and bullying among children and teenagers - in some cases leading to death - while spreading vaccine disinformation and reviving diseases that had long been eradicated.
My dear friends,
We are meeting with representatives from the productive sectors, civil society and labor unions. This is a great joint action that brings together industry, commerce, the service sector, the agricultural sector, and workers.
We stand united in the defense of Brazil — and we will do so with our heads held high, following the example of every Brazilian citizen who wakes up early, faces their daily struggle to work, cares for their family, and helps Brazil develop.
We will continue to invest in strong diplomatic and commercial relations — not only with the United States, but also with all countries around the world.
My friends,
The first victim of a world without rules is the truth. The allegations about unfair Brazilian commercial practices are false. The United States has accumulated a robust trade surplus of USD 410 billion for more than 15 years.
Brazil is today a global reference in environment protection. In just two years, we have already halved the deforestation of the Amazon, and we are working toward zero deforestation by 2030.
In addition, Pix is from Brazil. We will not tolerate attacks on Pix — a system that is part of our national heritage. We have one of the most advanced payment systems in the world, and we will protect it.
My dear friends,
When we took office in the Presidency of the Republic, in 2023, we found Brazil isolated from the world. In just two and a half years, our government has opened 379 new markets for Brazilian products abroad.
We are building trade partnerships with the European Union, Asia, Africa, and our neighbors in Latin America and the Caribbean.
If necessary, we will make use of all legal instruments to defend our economy — from appeals to the World Trade Organization to the Reciprocity Law approved by the National Congress.
My dear friends,
There are no winners in tariff wars. We are a nation of peace, with no enemies. We believe in multilateralism and cooperation among nations.
However, let no one forget: Brazil has one single owner — the Brazilian people.
Thank you very much.