Storyline: Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva said on Wednesday the Latin American country will respond to any U.S. unilateral move to raise tariffs in accordance with its economic reciprocity law. "In view of the public statement made by U.S. President Donald Trump presented on a social network Wednesday afternoon, it is important to emphasize: Brazil is a sovereign country with independent institutions that will not accept being tutored by anyone," Lula said on X. "It is false information in the case of the commercial relationship between Brazil and the United States, regarding the alleged American deficit. Statistics from the U.S. government itself confirm a surplus of that country in the trade of goods and services with Brazil in the amount of 410 billion U.S. dollars over the last 15 years," he said. Brazilian Vice President Geraldo Alckmin said on Wednesday that it was "unjust" for Trump to impose a 50 percent tariff on Brazilian products. "I see no reason to increase tariffs on Brazil. Brazil is not a problem for the United States. It is important to reiterate that. The United States has a trade deficit, but a surplus with Brazil. Of the 10 products they most export to us, eight have a zero (tariff) rate, paying no taxes," Alckmin said in a statement. On Wednesday, Trump announced a 50 percent tariff on Brazilian goods imported into the United States starting Aug. 1. Shotlist: FILE: Brazil - Date Unknown: 1. Brazilian national flag, traffic FILE: Brazil - November 2024: 2. Brazilian national flag 3. Traffic FILE: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil - Sept 15, 2023: 4. Various of vessel, containers, port facilities FILE: Washington D.C., USA - Oct 2024: 5. Various of White House 6. Various of Capitol Hill, U.S. national flag FILE: New York City, USA - Oct 2024: 7. Various of pedestrians, traffic FILE: New York City, USA - October 2024: 8. Various of port scene, Statue of Liberty. [Restrictions : No access Chinese mainland]