Global trade is facing renewed pressure as several countries have condemned U.S. President Donald Trump's recent tariff hikes. Critics argue that these so-called "reciprocal tariffs" undermine the principles of multilateralism and breach established World Trade Organization (WTO) rules.
Brazil is taking a leading role in voicing opposition. Speaking at an event in Sao Paulo, Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva sharply criticized the U.S. trade strategy. He warned against a unilateral approach to global commerce, stating, "All of a sudden, one man thinks he can dictate the rules for everything that happens in the world. No one grabs hold of a fully loaded transatlantic ship and tries to steer it like this. It won't work."
A recent poll by Brazilian research firm Quaest underscores this shift in public sentiment. Negative views of the U.S. among Brazilians surged from 24% to 41% in just a few months, while favorable opinions dropped from 58% to 44%, reflecting mounting discontent with protectionist policies.
The tariff hikes include a significant 10-percent levy on a wide range of Brazilian goods—adding to earlier increases on steel and aluminum—and mark a stark departure from the free trade norms of past decades. It is noteworthy that the U.S. has been Brazil's second-largest trading partner since 2009, following the Chinese mainland, highlighting the complex balance at play in global commerce.
As debates over trade policies intensify, the backlash against these unilateral measures underscores a growing global call for adherence to multilateral trade rules. Many leaders and citizens alike are urging a cooperative approach that supports open and balanced international markets.
Reference(s):
Countries condemn Trump's tariff hikes, take countermeasures
cgtn.com
