U.S. President Donald Trump's pledge to impose 50 percent tariffs on all Brazilian products has sparked outrage in the South American country, with a prominent economist calling the move politically-motivated and a threat to long-standing good relations.
The announcement came amid rising political tensions between the two countries. In a letter to Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, Trump called for a halt to the trial of former president Jair Bolsonaro, who faces charges for allegedly leading an attempted coup following his defeat in the 2022 presidential election.
Contrary to his earlier claim that tariffs would be a form of economic reciprocity, Trump implied that he was punishing Brazil for what he called a "witch hunt" against Bolsonaro.
Economist Manoel Thedim, executive director of the Institute of Work and Society Studies (IETS), said the punitive tariffs are particularly baffling considering the actual balance of trade -- according to official data, the U.S. ran a 7.4 billion U.S. dollars trade surplus with Brazil in 2024.
"You shouldn't use economic policies for political reasons. It is completely insane, it's technically awful. So it's a disaster for two countries who have been friends for the past 150 years," Thedim said.
President Lula's chief of staff announced the formation of a task force to study Brazil's response, including possible retaliation and identifying new markets to offset potential losses, but said Brazil would keep diplomatic channels open hoping for a negotiation prior to August 1st when Trump's tariffs are set to take effect.
Trump's 'insane' move to impose new tariffs on Brazil threatens 150 years of good relations: economist
Visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Saturday China is willing to work with Lesotho to strengthen exchanges on governance experience, enhance coordination in multilateral affairs, and advance the China-Lesotho strategic partnership.
Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks when meeting with Lesotho Prime Minister Sam Matekane in the capital of Lesotho.
During the meeting, Wang congratulated Lesotho on the 60th anniversary of its independence this year, and spoke highly of Lesotho government's efforts to prioritize economic development and steer the African country onto a path of sustainable growth. Since the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in 2024, the two sides have advanced cooperation under the 10 partnership action plans unveiled at the summit, successfully implementing a number of key projects to effectively promote Lesotho's development and revitalization, Wang said.
China stands ready to work with Lesotho to strengthen exchanges on governance experience, enhance coordination in multilateral affairs, and push for greater development of the China-Lesotho strategic partnership, he added.
Calling on the two sides to firmly support each other, Wang said that China will accelerate the implementation of its zero-tariff policy for African countries, including Lesotho, expand bilateral trade, investment and industrial cooperation, facilitate broader access of Lesotho's specialty products to the Chinese market, and continue to support Lesotho's national development.
China will continue to stand firmly with African countries, uphold justice for the Global South, including Lesotho, oppose unilateralism and acts of bullying, and work together to build a community with a shared future for humanity, Wang said.
On his part, Matekane said during the meeting that Lesotho cherishes its friendship with China and the strategic partnership between the two countries, and expressed gratitude for China's valuable support for the development of African countries, including Lesotho.
Lesotho firmly adheres to the one-China principle and resolutely supports China in safeguarding its core interests, he said, noting that his country stands ready to strengthen strategic mutual trust with China, expand people-to-people exchanges, jointly implement the outcomes of the FOCAC Beijing Summit, and deepen cooperation in areas such as infrastructure, manufacturing and energy.
Matekane stressed that China's zero-tariff policy for African products will inject new impetus into Lesotho's development. He also expressed Lesotho's willingness to strengthen solidarity and cooperation with China on multilateral platforms such as BRICS to jointly address global challenges.
On the same day, Wang also held talks with Lejone Mpotjoana, minister of foreign affairs and international relations of Lesotho.
China, Lesotho to strengthen exchanges, advance cooperation
China, Lesotho to strengthen exchanges, advance cooperation
