Source : INDIA TODAY NEWS
Brazilian President Luiz Incio Lula da Silva said on Friday that his government has activated a mechanism under the country’s economic reciprocity law in response to tariffs imposed by the United States, saying the step was meant to show that Brazil must be respected. At the same time, Brazil has sought diplomatic consultations with Washington, and the move does not automatically mean retaliation.
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The dispute comes amid political tensions ahead of Brazil’s October election, with Lula seeking re-election against Senator Flvio Bolsonaro, an ally of US President Donald Trump. Trump’s administration has imposed tariffs on hundreds of Brazilian exports and has also clashed with Brazil over diplomatic visas and the appointment of ambassadors.
In July, Trump imposed tariffs on hundreds of Brazilian exports, with duties reaching up to 37.5 per cent on some products. The Trump administration has accused Brazil of unfair trade practices, but Lula has rejected the allegations and said they are politically motivated ahead of the election. Flvio Bolsonaro had met US officials, including Trump, in Washington weeks before the administration proposed higher tariffs on Brazilian goods.
“Yesterday, we invoked the reciprocity law to show that we are not to be taken lightly,” Lula said in an interview with Brazilian podcasters. “We respect ourselves. I am very calm knowing what could happen, and I am prepared to debate the defence of Brazil anywhere in the world.” He also said, “I don’t want any fight with the United States. Unfortunately, they are spreading falsehoods.” Lula added that Trump had treated him well, but warned that foreign governments “who come here to meddle in the election, will lose”.
Brazil’s Foreign Ministry said in a statement late on Thursday that it was requesting diplomatic consultations with its US counterparts on the issue, in line with Lula’s aim “to privilege dialogue and negotiation in its international relations”. The start of the process does not necessarily mean Brazil will retaliate against the US tariffs.
Earlier this month, the US State Department revoked the visa of Brazil’s ambassador to Washington after Brazil last month denied visas to two American diplomats who had sought to visit ahead of the October election. The US government has also accused Brazil of delaying approval of Trump’s nominee for ambassador in Braslia, while Brazilian officials have said the US should first have sought the government’s approval before sending the nomination to Congress, as diplomatic protocol requires.
US officials, speaking on condition of anonymity to discuss internal administration deliberations, have said the Trump administration does not want the dispute to escalate. They said Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s decision to revoke the Brazilian ambassador’s visa, without ordering her expulsion, was meant to give Lula time and space to back down. At the same time, they said the US would respond quickly if Lula’s government escalates the matter, and that declaring the ambassador persona non grata and expelling her from the US would be a logical next step.
The row between Brazil and the US has therefore widened from trade to diplomacy, with Lula insisting Brazil will defend its position while still seeking talks, even as both sides keep open the possibility of further action.
With PTI Inputs
– Ends
SOURCE :- TIMES OF INDIA
