In a strong response to rising trade tensions, Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva rejected an offer by U.S. President Donald Trump to discuss new tariffs over a phone call, saying Brazil would instead pursue its interests through the World Trade Organization (WTO) and strengthen alliances with partners like India and China.

Speaking at an event in Brasília on Tuesday, Lula criticized the recent U.S. decision to impose a 50% tariff on Brazilian exports, calling it “the most regrettable moment” in U.S.-Brazil relations. The move is widely seen as part of Trump’s pushback against what he calls a “witch hunt” targeting former Brazilian president Jair Bolsonaro, who faces charges of plotting a coup after his 2022 election defeat.

Lula Turns to BRICS, Rejects One-on-One With Trump

“I will not call Trump because he doesn’t want to talk,” Lula said. “But I will call Xi Jinping, I will call Prime Minister Modi… I won’t call Putin because he can’t travel right now. But I will call many presidents.”

The remarks signal Lula’s pivot towards BRICS partners—India, China, and Russia—as Brazil looks to diversify its foreign trade and reduce reliance on the United States. Lula emphasized that Brazil would use “all possible measures,” beginning with the WTO, to protect its economic interests and support domestic industries.

Still Inviting Trump to COP30

Despite the sharp rhetoric, Lula said he would still invite Trump to COP30, the UN climate change summit scheduled for November in Belém, Pará. “I will be kind enough to call him,” Lula said. “If he doesn’t attend, it’s because he doesn’t want to—not because we didn’t try with courtesy, democracy, or diplomacy.”

A Call for Mutual Respect

While open to dialogue on trade, Lula stressed that any discussion must be grounded in “equal terms” and “mutual respect.” He reaffirmed Brazil’s commitment to national sovereignty and fair trade practices, especially in the face of what he described as unilateral decisions by the U.S. administration.

Trump’s Remarks and Brazil’s Response

Trump had said last Friday that Lula could call him “anytime” to discuss trade concerns. “He can talk to me whenever he wants,” Trump told reporters, adding that while he respects the Brazilian people, “the people running Brazil did the wrong thing.”

Brazilian Finance Minister Fernando Haddad later responded, calling Trump’s comment “great” and suggesting Lula might be open to such a conversation if approached respectfully.

Still, Lula’s Tuesday remarks made it clear: Brazil will not rely on backchannel talks to resolve disputes, and will instead work through official international channels while deepening cooperation with BRICS partners.

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