“We have until August 1,” the source noted.

“The previous president of the Republic must be accountable because he endorses Trump’s tariffs on Brazil. In fact, it was his son who actively sought to influence Trump’s views,” Lula criticized.

People protest against Donald Trump’s US tariffs, at the central bus station in the Brazilian capital Brasilia. Source: AAP / Andre Borges/EPA

In a social media post, Bolsonaro said Trump’s letter announcing tariffs was received with “a sense of responsibility,” adding he respects and admires the US government.

In addition to imposing similar tariffs, the legislation would empower Lula to restrict American imports and investments and to suspend intellectual property rights of U.S. companies, among other actions.

How would the tariffs work?

But the tariffs could inflict pain in the US too, disrupting food prices, given Brazil’s role as a major agricultural exporter of coffee, orange juice, sugar, beef, and ethanol.