Lula says Brazil cannot ‘accept treatment’ after new US tariffs proposed

Article excerpt

Brazil's president Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva rejected proposed 25 percent US tariffs, saying the country cannot accept such "treatment." The rebuke came unexpectedly, as bilateral relations had appeared to be warming. Lula's response signals escalating trade tensions between the two nations, with Brazil apparently blindsided by the tariff announcement. The proposed duties threaten Brazilian exports and come as both countries had been signaling improved diplomatic ties.