Brazil's Lula says ‘will not call Trump,' aims to strengthen ties with Modi, Xi
The United States imposed an additional 40% tariff on Brazil, bringing the total tariff amount to 50% on Brazilian imports. This has caused a serious strain between the two countries. Lula said Brazil will use all available tools, including the World Trade Organisation (WTO), to defend its trade interests.Earlier, Trump had said Lula could "call him anytime" to talk about trade. Brazil's finance minister, Fernando Haddad, welcomed Trump's move and said Lula would be ready to take such a call. However, Lula has made it clear that he will not be the one to start the conversation with Trump.TENSIONS RISE AFTER BOLSONARO'S ARRESTThe tensions are not only about trade. The United States recently condemned a decision by Brazil's Supreme Court to place former President Jair Bolsonaro under house arrest before his trial on charges of plotting a coup.The US State Department's Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs called Justice Alexandre de Moraes a "US-sanctioned human rights abuser" and accused him of using Brazil's courts to silence opposition voices. They demanded Bolsonaro be allowed to speak freely.Justice de Moraes, who is sanctioned by the US under the Magnitsky Act for alleged human rights violations, said he would continue his duties despite the sanctions.- EndsWith inputs from ReutersTune InMust Watch
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