Hours after U.S. President Donald Trump warned BRICS nations, including Brazil, of potential tariffs if they pursue a separate currency, Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva asserted that his country would respond with reciprocal measures if Washington follows through on such actions, Al Jazeera reported.

During a press conference in Brasília on Thursday, Lula emphasised that Brazil aims to maintain a relationship with the United States founded on “mutual respect.” His remarks were a direct response to Trump's threats of increased tariffs on Brazilian exports. "It is very simple: If he taxes Brazilian products, there will be reciprocity," Lula told reporters.

He added, “Trump was elected to run the US, and I was elected to run Brazil. I will respect the US and want Trump to respect Brazil. That's all." The comments are the latest signal that Trump's efforts may spark a trade war with US allies.

According to Al Jazeera, Lula’s response also sets a precedent for how other Latin American nations might react to Trump’s protectionist policies. The former U.S. president has consistently promoted tariffs as a tool to strengthen domestic industry and pressure international counterparts on issues ranging from manufacturing to migration.

Earlier this week, Trump threatened heavy tariffs on Colombia after President Gustavo Petro initially refused to allow a U.S. military flight carrying undocumented immigrants to land. Petro objected to the treatment of the immigrants, some of whom were reportedly handcuffed. However, following an exchange of tariff threats between the two leaders, Petro relented, permitting future flights to proceed—though not before making an implicit comparison between Trump and “white slavers.”

Despite the resolution of the dispute with Colombia, Trump has continued to signal the possibility of tariffs against other nations, including China, Mexico, Canada and the Eurozone. Proposed tariffs of 25% on goods from Mexico and Canada could take effect as early as February 1.

Additionally, Trump has suggested imposing tariffs on goods from the Eurozone, which maintains a trade surplus with the U.S., as well as a 2.5% tariff on global imports. While these measures could have significant economic implications, they are viewed as more moderate than earlier projections, alleviating some market concerns.