Rio de Janeiro: In a sharp diplomatic response, Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has dismissed US President Donald Trump’s open offer for dialogue, saying he would rather call leaders like Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping to discuss global trade and cooperation. This comes in the wake of escalating tensions between the US and Brazil following Washington’s imposition of steep 50% tariffs on Brazilian goods.
Speaking at an event in Brasilia, Lula strongly criticized the tariff move and labelled it “the most regrettable moment” in the history of US-Brazil relations. “We will resort to all available measures—starting with the World Trade Organisation (WTO)—to defend Brazil’s interests,” he declared.
He further clarified that the Brazilian government was already expanding foreign trade ties, especially with BRICS nations, before the change in administration in the US. “We were not sitting idle. We are looking at new markets and opportunities for our domestic companies,” he added.
While Trump recently told reporters at the White House that Lula could “call him anytime,” Lula brushed aside the invitation for direct dialogue. “I will not call Trump because he doesn’t want to talk,” Lula said, adding with a touch of sarcasm, “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 US has accused the BRICS bloc—comprised of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa—of attempting to undermine the US dollar’s dominance in global markets. President Trump has already threatened an additional 10% tariff on countries aligning with BRICS’ financial and trade policies.
Despite the growing diplomatic chill, Lula struck a somewhat conciliatory note, saying he still plans to invite Trump to COP30, the United Nations Climate Change Conference to be held in November in Belém, Pará.
“I will be kind enough to invite Trump to COP30 to hear his views on climate change. If he doesn’t come, it’ll be his choice. But it won’t be for lack of courtesy, friendliness, or democratic spirit,” Lula said, according to Brazilian media.
Lula reiterated Brazil’s willingness to negotiate trade disputes with the US—but only on “equal terms” and with “mutual respect.” He reaffirmed his government’s commitment to protecting national sovereignty and upholding fair trade principles.
“We are open to dialogue, but it has to be respectful and balanced,” the Brazilian leader stated.
Earlier, Trump had signaled openness to talks. “He [Lula] can talk to me anytime he wants,” Trump told reporters, insisting he admired the Brazilian people but blamed the current administration for recent strains. “The people running Brazil did the wrong thing,” he said, referencing the ongoing legal issues involving former President Jair Bolsonaro.
Brazil’s Finance Minister Fernando Haddad, when asked about Trump’s remarks, responded diplomatically: “That’s great. I’m sure President Lula feels the same way. He’s always open to communication.”
The latest strain in US-Brazil ties comes amid Trump’s controversial decision to impose steep tariffs on Brazil. The move, according to US officials, is partly in response to Brazil’s domestic political landscape and its support for former President Bolsonaro, who is under trial for allegedly plotting a coup after his 2022 electoral defeat.
Lula’s firm stance is seen as a message not just to the US, but also to global leaders, that Brazil is not willing to be strong-armed into unfavorable trade terms. His alignment with BRICS, and outreach to Modi and Xi, underscores a pivot towards multipolar diplomacy.
