Brazil's Lula triggers reciprocity process against US tariffs in effort
to show strength
[August 15, 2026] By
MAURICIO SAVARESE
SAO PAULO (AP) — Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva said
Friday his government has triggered an economic reciprocity law
mechanism against U.S.-imposed tariffs, saying the move was intended to
show his nation must be respected.
In July, U.S. President Donald Trump imposed tariffs on hundreds of
Brazilian exports, with duties reaching up to 37.5% in some products.
The Trump administration has accused Brazil of unfair trade practices,
but Lula has denied the accusations, insisting they are politically
motivated ahead of the October election.
Lula is seeking reelection against Sen. Flávio Bolsonaro, a Trump ally
who met with U.S. 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 defense of Brazil anywhere in the world.”
Brazil’s Foreign Ministry said in a statement late Thursday it is
requesting diplomatic consultations with its U.S. counterparts on the
issue, as a sign of Lula's aim “to privilege dialogue and negotiation in
its international relations.”
The beginning of the proceedings does not necessarily mean Brazil will
retaliate against U.S. tariffs.
“I don’t want any fight with the United States," Lula said Friday.
“Unfortunately, they are spreading falsehoods."
Earlier this month, the U.S. State Department revoked the visa of
Brazil’s ambassador to Washington in retaliation for Brazil’s denial of
visas last month for two American diplomats who sought to visit ahead of
the October election.
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Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva speaks during a
meeting with members of the Homeless Workers Movement marking its
30th anniversary in Taboao da Serra, greater Sao Paulo area, Brazil
Saturday, Aug. 8, 2026. (AP Photo/Andre Penner)
 The U.S. government also has accused
Brazil of stalling approval of Trump’s nominee for ambassador in
Brasilia, while Brazilian officials say the U.S. should have first
sought the government’s approval before submitting the nomination to
Congress, as diplomatic protocol requires.
Since U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio revoked the Brazilian
ambassador’s visa in response to Lula’s actions but did not order
her expelled, U.S. officials have said the Trump administration does
not want the dispute to escalate.
These officials, who have spoken on condition of anonymity to
discuss internal administration deliberations, have said on multiple
occasions that Rubio’s limited response was intentionally designed
to give Lula time and space to back down.
At the same time, they have said that the U.S. will respond quickly
should Lula's government choose to escalate the matter and that
declaring the Brazilian ambassador “persona non grata” and expelling
her from the U.S. would be a logical next step.
Lula said once again Trump has treated him well, but warned any
foreign governments “who come here to meddle in the election, will
lose.”
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Associated Press writer Matthew Lee contributed from Washington.
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