Lula welcomes foreign firms as Brazil faces U.S. tariffs

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva said on Friday that foreign companies are welcome to do business in Brazil, speaking at the opening of a Chinese automaker’s factory in Sao Paulo state.

Lula told the ceremony for GWM’s new plant that his government is ready to work with new investors. “Count on the Brazilian government. Whoever wants to leave, leave. Whoever wants to come, we welcome you with open arms,” he said.

The president criticised the 50% tariffs on Brazilian goods imposed by U.S. President Donald Trump, calling them an “unnecessary turbulence.” He told Reuters earlier this month that he would raise the issue at the BRICS group, which includes China, to seek ways to respond.

Lula noted that automakers such as Ford and Mercedes had scaled back operations in Brazil in the past, but welcomed new arrivals like China’s GWM. He said Brazil remains open to business negotiations.

GWM’s Brazilian arm can produce 50,000 vehicles annually and is expected to create more than 2,000 jobs once exports to Latin America begin, according to the company.

Brazil’s auto exports are forecast to rise 38.4% in 2025 compared with 2024, reaching 552,000 units, the automakers association Anfavea said last week.

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