Brazil’s Lula says he won’t take orders from ‘gringo’ Trump

SAO PAULO - Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva on July 17 said that he would not take orders from a “gringo”, responding to US President Donald Trump’s letter imposing 50 per cent tariffs on Brazil.

In a letter last week, Mr Trump attributed the tariffs, set to start in August, to Brazil’s treatment of former president Jair Bolsonaro and to alleged unfair trade practices by Brazil against US companies.

Mr Lula and members of his Cabinet have rejected the reasoning behind the tariffs and insisted on Brazil’s sovereignty, while calling for trade negotiations with the US.

“No gringo is going to give orders to this President,” he said, wearing a bright red shirt as he addressed a gathering of leftist student activists in the state of Goias. In Brazil, “gringo” is a common term for foreigners, without the pejorative sense it carries in other parts of Latin America.

He added that Brazil would go forward with regulation and taxation of US tech firms, alleging that they promote violence and fake news under the argument of freedom of expression.

Foreign Relations Minister Mauro Vieira told CNN Brasil separately on July 17 that Mr Lula was open to talks with Mr Trump, though they had not yet met.

“If the circumstances are given, they will speak,” he added.

Brasilia has been holding discussions with industry groups and companies affected by the US tariff, while also readying potential retaliatory measures if talks fall through.

Mr Lula, who is in his third non-consecutive term as president of Latin America’s largest economy, saw his approval ratings start to rebound after the trade spat with Mr Trump last week. REUTERS