Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has stated that Brazil will respond in kind to any new tariffs imposed by the United States, but he emphasized that Brazil will first exhaust all diplomatic avenues before resorting to retaliatory measures. Speaking to reporters on Wednesday at the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) summit in Honduras, Lula clarified that while Brazil is prepared to defend its economic interests, it favors dialogue over confrontation.

"We will use every word for negotiation that is in the dictionary," Lula said, highlighting his administration’s dedication to resolving trade disputes through diplomacy. He further stated that after all negotiation options have been fully explored, Brazil "will make the appropriate decisions" concerning a potential reciprocal response. These statements come at a time of increasing global trade tensions, with numerous countries responding to recent tariff announcements by the United States.

Although Lula did not specify which sectors or products could be affected, his message conveyed a balanced approach: firm in principle, yet open to dialogue. Brazil and the United States have substantial trade relations, and analysts have pointed out that a rapid escalation in tariffs could have widespread consequences across various industries. Lula’s comments suggest that while Brazil is unwilling to remain passive in the face of protectionist measures, it remains equally committed to maintaining its diplomatic position and economic stability.

As the situation unfolds, international observers will be closely monitoring whether discussions between the two countries can avert a full-blown trade dispute. The approach Brazil takes will likely set a precedent for how other nations respond to similar trade actions in the future.