Brazil threatens to catch up with China in filing a trade complaint against the United States.

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva announced on Friday that Brazil will not remain idle and will respond if U.S. President Donald Trump imposes tariffs on U.S. imports of aluminum and steel from Brazil.

Speaking in an interview with Radio Clube do Pará, Lula warned the United States of potential retaliatory trade measures that Brazil would take, noting that Brazil might also file an official complaint to the World Trade Organization against the United States.

Lula emphasized that Brazil would not remain passive regarding the tariffs, insisting that any action on tariffs would lead to reciprocal and retaliatory measures. He criticized the U.S. approach to international trade, stating that it often acts as if it were the "world's police," without regard for other economies.

The Brazilian president expressed his hope for a constructive dialogue between the Brazilian government and the U.S. government, but clarified that Brazil is prepared to defend its interests, even if it requires escalation to global organizations.

Lula da Silva's remarks come after previous reports indicated that the Brazilian government might target major American technology companies with sanctions in response to potential tariffs that the White House may impose.

Earlier this month, China announced that it would file a complaint against the United States at the World Trade Organization after the U.S. administration decided to impose a 10% tariff on goods imported from China. China's move followed the government's response to also impose retaliatory tariffs on the United States.