President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva (PT) said Brazil will not plead with the U.S. to buy its exports following the imposition of new tariffs [1].
This shift in trade strategy signals a potential pivot away from North American dependence. By diversifying its export destinations, Brazil aims to protect its economy from the volatility of U.S. trade policies and the impact of the so-called "tarifaço" [2].
Speaking during a ceremony in the state of Pernambuco on Aug. 14, 2026 [3], the president said that Brazil would not "cry" or "crawl" to ensure the U.S. continues to purchase Brazilian products [4]. He said that the administration would not waste time lamenting the loss of market access if the U.S. chooses to restrict trade [5].
To counter the tariffs, Lula said Brazil will look for other markets to absorb its goods [6]. He specifically identified four alternative partners for trade expansion: India, China, Russia, and Germany [7].
"If the US does not want to buy, I will not stay crying, I will look for other countries," Lula said [8].
The tariffs were imposed by the administration of President Donald Trump [9]. The move has forced the Brazilian government to evaluate its trade dependencies and seek more resilient partnerships across the Global South and Europe [2].
Lula said that the country would not remain in a position of desperation to maintain its relationship with the U.S. market [4]. Instead, the focus will remain on expanding the reach of Brazilian exports to ensure economic stability despite the new trade barriers [6].
“"If the US does not want to buy, I will not stay crying, I will look for other countries."”
This response marks a strategic move by Brazil to reduce its economic vulnerability to U.S. protectionist policies. By explicitly naming BRICS partners like China, India, and Russia, alongside Germany, Lula is signaling a geopolitical shift toward a multipolar trade network. This approach minimizes the leverage of U.S. tariffs by creating alternative demand channels for Brazilian commodities and manufactured goods.
