LULA SLAMS US TARIFFS, THREATENS TO TAKE RECIPROCAL MEASURES

RIO DE JANEIRO, March 28 (Xinhua) -- Brazil's President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva on Thursday criticised recent tariffs imposed by his US counterpart Donald Trump, warning his country could take reciprocal trade measures against the United States, Xinhua reported.

"I am very concerned about the behaviour of the US government with this policy of tariffs on all products from all countries," Lula da Silva told a press conference at the end of his official visit to Japan.

He also voiced concern about Trump's decision to impose a 25 per cent tariff on automotive imports, saying such protectionist measures will drive up vehicle prices for US consumers and could lead to rising inflation and higher interest rates.

"I'm worried because, ultimately, it's free trade that is being harmed. I'm worried because multilateralism is being defeated. I'm worried because the US president is not the world's sheriff, he is just the president of the United States," said Lula da Silva.

On Washington's decision earlier this month to impose a 25 per cent tariff on Brazilian steel and aluminum, Lula da Silva said his government would bring the case to the World Trade Organisation (WTO).

"We cannot stand idly by. We will appeal to the World Trade Organisation, and if that fails, we will apply reciprocity, establishing tariffs on US products," he said.

Unilateral protectionism harms global economic cooperation and undermines multilateralism, said Lula da Silva, expressing hope that other nations affected by the latest US tariffs will also bring their case to the WTO and adopt reciprocal measures if necessary.

--BERNAMA-XINHUA