Brazil’s leftwing president is standing firm against Donald Trump’s 50 per cent tariff threat, as Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva seizes the confrontation with Washington to revive his re-election prospects.

As Brazil’s Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and Donald Trump trade blows, the person they are fighting over has sent mixed signals to investors trying to divine who will blink first.

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva hit back on Monday at recent threats from U.S. President Donald Trump to impose tariffs on countries that align themselves with BRICS.

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva says the 50% tariffs announced by U.S. President Donald Trump would trigger the country’s economic reciprocity law.

In an interview with TV Globo, Lula explained that, for now, he does not intend to call Trump but will defend the Brazilian productive sector by opening new markets. The president noted that the American’s tone is disrespectful and that he will not accept such behavior.