Brazil has formally requested the recall of Argentina’s ambassador, downgrading diplomatic relations to the level of Chargé d'Affaires.
The move follows a sharp escalation in rhetoric between the two nations, triggered by Argentine President Javier Milei’s public characterization of Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva as a thief.
The Foreign Ministry in Buenos Aires confirmed the request on Tuesday, marking a significant deterioration in bilateral ties.
The diplomatic rupture comes amid broader geopolitical realignments in South America.
Brazil’s export profile has recently shifted away from traditional partners, with the United States losing its position as the top destination for Brazilian shipments, its share falling to a record low of 9.4 percent.
This structural shift underscores Brazil’s pivot toward other markets, even as political friction with its largest neighbor intensifies.