'Why would I let someone else take it?' - Lula on Trump's interest in Brazilian rare earths

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has issued a pointed message to U.S. President Donald Trump, urging Washington to abandon tariff threats and instead pursue respectful dialogue, while making it clear that Brazil’s natural resources are not available for foreign exploitation.

Speaking at an event in Rio de Janeiro on Monday, Lula aimed to counter U.S. ambitions regarding so-called “critical minerals,” resources increasingly vital to global energy and defence industries.

Lula’s remarks follow media reports of U.S. attempts to secure privileged access to mineral reserves in strategic regions, including Ukraine and Latin America. He emphasised that Brazil’s sovereignty over its natural wealth is non-negotiable and not subject to outside pressure.

The Brazilian leader also addressed looming U.S. trade tariffs of up to 50% on Brazilian exports, imposed under the pretext of “unfair treatment” toward former President Jair Bolsonaro — a move Lula slammed as “unacceptable blackmail.”

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Lula, a veteran of global diplomacy, referenced his past dealings with a range of U.S. political figures — from Bill Clinton to Joe Biden — and called on Trump to adopt a more civil approach.