Trump has not yet signaled openness to negotiations on tariff increases, say members of Lula's government.

247 - A week after the United States announced the imposition of a 50% tariff on Brazilian products, the government of President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva (PT) has still not received any indication that the Donald Trump administration intends to open formal negotiations on the subject. This information was released on Wednesday (16) by GloboNews, based on reports from members of the Brazilian government.

The measure was officially announced on the 9th, through a letter sent by Trump to Lula. In the document, the American president claims that the US faces an unfavorable trade relationship with Brazil — a statement considered erroneous by Brazilian authorities, since data shows that Americans export more than they import from Brazil, in terms of added value.

Privately, Brazilian diplomats believe that the lack of response from the United States may be related to the White House's failure to issue clear directives to its diplomatic and trade bodies regarding Brazil. Since the beginning of his new term, Trump has adopted a more protectionist trade policy, imposing tariffs on various imported products.

In an effort to reopen dialogue, Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira has already held talks with the head of the USTR (Office of the U.S. Trade Representative), Jamieson Greer. Simultaneously, a delegation of diplomats was in Washington, while Vice President Geraldo Alckmin—who also heads the Ministry of Development, Industry and Trade (MDIC)—spoke with U.S. Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnik.

Despite attempts at rapprochement, the Planalto Palace is beginning to consider firmer measures should the impasse persist. Lula has publicly stated that Brazil is a sovereign country that "does not accept being tutored by anyone," and advocates seeking an understanding with the US. However, he also affirms that, if there is no progress, Brazil may resort to the Economic Reciprocity Law, regulated this week, or to the World Trade Organization (WTO).

Business leaders, on the other hand, have urged caution. The concern in the productive sector is that a retaliatory response could further harm bilateral trade. Furthermore, diplomats believe that the WTO is going through a period of paralysis and, even if it decides in favor of Brazil, it would have little capacity to effectively apply sanctions.

Given this scenario, one of the solutions being considered would be for Brazil to join other countries affected by the tariffs imposed by the US, coordinating collective action within a multilateral framework.

In its first official statement on the subject, Itamaraty released a note on Tuesday (15) in which it stated that it "deplores" and "rejects" what it called "undue interference" by American authorities in Brazil. The position was reinforced on the social media of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which shared posts by President Lula, including an image with the words: "Respect Brazil".