Lula Rules Out Retaliatory Tariffs, Seeks Ethanol Talks With U.S.

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva said his administration will refrain from imposing reciprocal trade measures against the United States, arguing that further escalation would damage bilateral relations. Speaking in Brasília on Wednesday, Lula stressed that “we are not announcing reciprocity measures” and that the government wants to “avoid worsening relations with the U.S.” Lula added that Brazil remains open to negotiating specific issues, including ethanol trade, but claimed Washington currently “doesn’t want to negotiate.” The remarks come as Brazilian exporters lobby for relief from recent U.S. trade actions and the government readies a domestic aid package for companies hurt by higher duties. Lula’s comments signal a preference for dialogue over retaliation while maintaining pressure on the United States to engage in talks.