By Nandita Bose, Bernardo Caram and Gabriel AraujoWASHINGTON/BRASILIA/SAO PAULO (Reuters) -Brazil's government on Friday downplayed the impact of the 50% tariff U.S. President Donald Trump threatened to impose on imports from that country,

Brazil President Lula responds to Trump’s 50% tariff on Brazilian imports, asserting Brazil’s ability to survive without US trade and vowing to defend national sovereignty.

Brazil’s President forcefully rebuked Trump after the U.S. leader called the prosecution of Lula’s predecessor, Bolsonaro, a “witch hunt” and hiked tariffs on the Latin American nation.