Lula to Send Trump Amazon Data in Tariff Spat
Brazil · Trade
Key Facts
- New tariffs — The US imposed a 25% duty on most Brazilian imports, with some exceptions like beef and coffee.
- Deforestation cited — Washington said illegal deforestation was one reason for the measures, a claim Lula disputes.
- Data to send — Lula will forward Inpe figures showing a 36.87% drop in Amazon losses from August 2025 to July 2026.
- Lowest since 2016 — The deforestation rate is the lowest in the series since 2016, according to Inpe.
- Diplomatic tensions — The US also revoked the visa of Brazil’s ambassador, adding to the strain.
- No retaliation yet — Lula has not announced immediate countermeasures, focusing instead on rebutting the US rationale.
- Trade at stake — Brazilian exporters face higher costs in the US market, a key destination for manufactured and agricultural goods.
Brazil’s president will challenge Washington’s tariff case. He will send the latest deforestation figures, after a 25% duty on most Brazilian goods.
Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva spoke on Saturday. He will send Donald Trump the latest Amazon deforestation figures.
This aims to undercut a key justification for the new US tariffs. Those tariffs target Brazilian goods.
Lula will send Trump the Amazon data in this tariff spat. It is a direct challenge to Washington’s claims.
Lula spoke in Taboão da Serra, São Paulo. He pointed to fresh data from Brazil’s space agency, Inpe, released on Friday.
It shows deforestation fell 36.87% between August 2025 and July 2026. That is the lowest in the series since 2016.
“I want to send these numbers to the US government,” Lula said, according to local media.
The US cited illegal deforestation as a reason for the tariffs. The package imposes a 25% duty on most Brazilian imports.
Some products, like beef and coffee, are exempt. The dispute raises costs for investors and exporters.
It makes doing business with the US more expensive. The US is Brazil’s second-largest trading partner.
Uncertainty now hits supply chains that rely on cross-border trade.
Lula’s move is a diplomatic gambit: rather than escalate with retaliation, he is betting that hard data can change the narrative. But the tariff dispute is not just about forests – Washington has also raised concerns about digital trade, intellectual property, and ethanol.
The coming weeks will show whether data can cool a trade war that is already affecting real money.
What Are the New US Tariffs on Brazil?
In July 2026, the United States imposed a 25% tariff. It applies to most goods imported from Brazil.
The measure is sweeping and affects many sectors. Some products were exempted, like beef and coffee.
But the broad scope shocked Brazilian export industries.
Washington cites several trade grievances. They include digital trade barriers.
Intellectual property protections are another. Ethanol tariffs also matter.
Forest-related policies are included. Handling illegal deforestation is part of it.
For a Brazilian exporter, this means a 25% surcharge on goods. They are sent to the US market.
This can erode profit margins. It may force price increases.
Higher prices reduce competitiveness. The tariff rate is significant.
It is not a symbolic gesture. It is a substantial barrier.
It could reshape trade flows.
Most Brazilian exports to the US now face the higher duty. Some products are spared.
This creates a clear incentive for companies. They may seek alternative markets.
Or they may renegotiate contracts.
What the US Tariffs on Brazil Put at Stake
The US cited illegal Amazon deforestation as one reason for the tariffs. It linked environmental policy to trade.
This is sensitive for Brazil. The Amazon is a global symbol of climate action.
It is also a source of national pride.
Lula has made cutting deforestation a cornerstone of his government. The latest Inpe data supports his claim of progress.
It shows a 36.87% drop from August 2025 to July 2026. That is the lowest level in the series since 2016.
Lula sent these figures to Trump. He directly challenges the US justification’s factual basis.
He called Trump ’my friend’ in his remarks. VEJA reported this.
This signals he wants open dialogue. Tensions are rising, but he keeps talking.
The deforestation argument matters to investors. It could decide if tariffs stay or go.
Brazil can prove its environmental record. That may weaken the case for duties.
But the US may have other motives. Data alone cannot address those economic reasons.
For Brazilian exporters, a 25% US tariff on most goods is a direct hit to margins—steel, aircraft. Processed foods, and manufactured goods face a surcharge that can price them out of a key market.
The Amazon-deforestation justification is contentious because Brasília can point to a 36.87% drop in clearances. The lowest since 2016, which undercuts Washington’s stated rationale and suggests protectionist motives.
Investors face uncertainty over trade flows and diplomatic friction, as seen in the ambassador’s visa row. Brasília could negotiate bilaterally, escalate at the WTO, or impose reciprocal tariffs—though Lula’s immediate move is data, not retaliation, keeping de-escalation alive.
Lula to Send Trump Amazon Data in Tariff Spat
The tariff package is part of larger US trade pressure. Washington has acted on other fronts too.
This week, the US revoked Brazil’s ambassador visa. G1 reports this responded to Brazil’s delay.
Brazil delayed approving Trump’s ambassador-designate, Daniel Perez.
This diplomatic friction adds another layer to the economic conflict, making it harder to separate trade from politics.
For Latin American markets, the Brazil-US dispute is a reminder of how tariff decisions in Washington can ripple across the region. Brazilian exporters face higher costs, which could slow growth in key sectors like manufacturing and agriculture.
Lula’s data strategy could help de-escalate. But it is untested.
If tariffs persist, Brazilian companies must adapt. Investors should watch for signs of retaliation.
Lula has not yet announced any.
The stakes are high. The US is a major market for Brazilian goods.
Any sustained tariff could reshape trade relations. This could last for years.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current US tariff on Brazilian goods?
The US imposed a 25% tariff on most Brazilian imports in July 2026, with exceptions for some products such as beef and coffee. The rate applies broadly, affecting a wide range of sectors.
How is deforestation linked to the tariffs?
Washington cited illegal deforestation in the Amazon as one reason for the tariffs. Lula is challenging this by sending Inpe data showing a 36.87% drop in deforestation from August 2025 to July 2026, the lowest since 2016.
Why did the US revoke Brazil’s ambassador’s visa?
The US revoked the visa of Brazil’s ambassador in Washington as a response to Brazil’s delay in approving Trump’s ambassador-designate to Brasília, Daniel Perez, according to G1. This has added to diplomatic tensions between the two countries.
Is Lula planning to retaliate against the US tariffs?
As of August 2026, Lula has not announced immediate retaliation. Instead, he is focusing on rebutting the US justification by sending deforestation data, though the dispute remains unresolved.
Connected Coverage
Sources: Presidência da República (Planalto); Reuters; G1.
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