Brazil will stand firm and not bow to the pressure of the latest US trade offensive, Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva said Wednesday.

At a cabinet meeting, Lula focused on a proposed 25% tariff on Brazilian goods announced by the Office of the United States Trade Representative two days ago.

"We have decided that this country will no longer adopt a 'stray dog' policy toward the great powers. No one needs to be afraid of anything; we will not bow our heads. We are a democratic and sovereign country. We will not give in," said Lula.

Brazil will maintain its independent position and seek alternative partnerships, he said.

"We are not going to sit around crying. We are going to look for other partners. If he doesn't want to buy, we'll sell to whoever does," said Lula, referring to US President Donald Trump.