Brazil’s New Countermeasures Signal Rising Trade Tensions Amid Trump Tariff Threats

President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva’s recent decree to enact Brazil’s Law of Reciprocity marks a new chapter in the growing trade tensions with the United States. This law, approved by Brazil's Congress earlier this year, empowers the South American nation to impose countermeasures against what it labels as unilateral restrictions on its exports—specifically in response to President Donald Trump’s announcement to raise tariffs on Brazilian products by 50% starting August. At first glance, Brazil positions itself as defending its economic interests against arbitrary U.S. actions. But digging deeper, this standoff reflects a dangerous escalation driven largely by flawed narratives...