"Today, Brazil is not as dependent on the United States as it was. We have very broad trade relations around the world, we are much calmer from an economic point of view," Lula said, speaking to fellow party members at an event that was broadcast on the party's YouTube channel.
The politician sharply criticized attempts to put pressure on the country through economic measures and accused US President Donald Trump of undermining international stability.
"Trying to impose a political issue on us through economic taxation is unacceptable. The president has the right to impose any tariffs, but [Trump] has crossed the line. He wants to destroy multilateral mechanisms and return to one-on-one negotiations with countries," the Brazilian leader emphasized.
Lula recalled that the channels of dialogue with the United States were open, and negotiations could continue.
"We will help our companies, protect our workers and say the following: when you want to negotiate, proposals are on the table. In fact, proposals have already been presented by [Vice President Gerardo] Alckmin and [Foreign Minister] Mauro Vieira. That's all. I will continue in the same spirit," the president emphasized.