Lula calls Rubio 'anti-Latin American' as US-Brazil tariff row deepens
Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva intensified his criticism of Washington, calling US Secretary of State Marco Rubio a "Bolsonarist" and "anti-Latin American" as a tariff dispute between the two countries deepens.
Speaking during a visit to Brazil's National Institute for Space Research, Lula accused Rubio of working against what he said had been discussed with US President Donald Trump.
"There is an official over there who does not like Brazil or Latin America and who is a Bolsonarist: the Secretary of State, Marco Rubio. He does not like us," Lula said.
Lula also referred to Rubio's Cuban heritage, describing him as "perhaps a frustrated Latin American because his family left Cuba" and claiming the US secretary of state "hates Cuba, hates Colombia and hates Brazil."
The remarks come after Washington imposed a 25 per cent tariff on many Brazilian goods in July, followed by an additional 12.5 per cent levy linked to US measures against countries it says do not adequately restrict imports made with forced labour. Some products are exempt.
RECOMMENDED FOR YOU
Petro leaves presidential palace as De la Espriella takes office
Lula said he learned of the latest tariff increase through the media and claimed it would leave Brazil with a $7.4 billion shortfall.
This story is written and edited by the Global South World team, you can contact us here.
