Brazilian officials have announced a significant drop in deforestation rates. Brazilian officials on Thursday thus pushed back on accusations used by the United States to justify tariffs on Brazil. Official figures from Brazilian authorities show that deforestation in the Amazon in May was 61.4% lower than the same month in 2025. The Environment Ministry says this is the lowest figure ever recorded for May. The Trump administration proposed 25% tariffs on Brazil on June 2. U.S. officials cited illegal deforestation. Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva criticized the U.S. accusations. He emphasized Brazil’s commitment to reducing deforestation. The Amazon plays a critical role in regulating the global climate.