It shows that personal grudges rather than simple economics are a driving force in the U.S. leader’s use of tariffs.

Lula was responding to Wednesday's threat by his US counterpart, Donald Trump, to impose a 50% import tax on Brazilian goods from 1 August. In a letter, Trump cited Brazil's treatment of former President Jair Bolsonaro as a trigger for tariff-hike.

It's showing that personal grudges rather than simple economics are a driving force in the U.S. leader’s use of tariffs.