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Lula thanks China for beef win, tells US after tariffs: 'I will sell to someone else'
🇨🇳 China /Economy & Trade

Lula thanks China for beef win, tells US after tariffs: 'I will sell to someone else'

From South China Morning Post · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • Brazil's President Lula thanked China for approving its beef exports, which he linked to China's confirmation of Brazil being free of foot-and-mouth disease.
  • Lula also criticized U.S. tariffs on Brazilian goods, stating Brazil would sell its products to other markets.
  • The situation highlights the competition between the U.S. and China for influence in Latin America, with Brazil navigating trade relations with both.

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva expressed gratitude to China for granting wider access to its beef market, a move he connected to Beijing's confirmation that Brazil is free of foot-and-mouth disease. The announcement came as Brazil's Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira visited Beijing.

Lula also directed criticism at the United States, particularly President Donald Trump, following Washington's imposition of new tariffs on Brazilian goods. "If you do not want to buy from me, you can keep your things and I will sell to someone else," Lula stated, signaling Brazil's willingness to seek alternative markets.

As God writes straight with crooked lines, nothing comes free for a Christian man like me. What happened to counter Trump’s measure? China accepted that Brazil is nationally free of foot-and-mouth disease.

— Luiz Inacio Lula da SilvaBrazilian President Lula da Silva explaining the context of China's beef market access and linking it to the U.S. tariffs.

This diplomatic exchange underscores the ongoing competition between China and the United States for influence within Latin America. Brazil finds itself balancing deepening trade ties with Beijing against increasing pressure from the Trump administration, illustrating the complex geopolitical landscape in the region.

I’m not going to cry [because of US’ decision]. If you do not want to buy from me, you can keep your things and I will sell to someone else.

— Luiz Inacio Lula da SilvaBrazilian President Lula da Silva's response to U.S. tariffs on Brazilian goods.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by South China Morning Post in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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