Synopsis
In Sao Paulo, President Lula of Brazil criticized the US trade tariffs, asserting that Trump's approach to global trade is ineffective and undermines multilateralism.Key Takeaways
- Lula criticizes US trade policies.
- Trump's tariffs are deemed ineffective.
- Advocates for multilateralism in global trade.
- Contrast with 1980s free trade rhetoric.
- US is Brazil's second-largest trading partner.
Sao Paulo, April 9 (NationPress) Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva expressed strong disapproval of the United States' new tariff framework, asserting that Washington's efforts to redefine global trade under US President Donald Trump 'won't work' and contravene the values of multilateralism.
During an event in Sao Paulo, Lula condemned what he referred to as Washington's unilateral stance on international trade, as reported by Xinhua news agency.
'All of a sudden, one man thinks he can dictate the rules for everything that happens in the world,' Lula remarked. 'No one grabs hold of a fully loaded transatlantic ship and tries to steer it like this. It won't work.
Lula further pointed out that Trump's move to impose 'reciprocal tariffs' on various nations disregards the realities of a multipolar world.
'There are nearly 200 countries,' he stated. 'All of them desire sovereignty and a harmonious process. Today, the most crucial aspect is multilateralism.
The Brazilian leader also reminisced about the free trade discussions of the 1980s, when then US President Ronald Reagan and UK Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher openly opposed protectionism. Lula highlighted the contrast between those earlier views and what he perceives as the current protectionist trend in the United States.
Since 2009, the United States has been Brazil's second-largest trading partner, following China.
Recently, the Trump administration escalated import tariffs on Brazilian products, including a 10 percent tax on a wide array of goods, following previous increases on steel and aluminum.
