Brazil's Lula urges Trump to lift tariffs in 'friendly call', both leaders agree to meet

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva urged US President Donald Trump on Monday to lift punitive trade tariffs during their first official talks after months of tension, with both leaders hinting at an in-person meeting soon.

The 30-minute call, described as being in a “friendly tone” by the Brazilian presidency, saw Lula suggest a possible meeting at the ASEAN summit in Malaysia next month. He also “requested the removal” of tariffs on Brazilian products and sanctions against Brazilian officials.

Trump called it a “very good telephone call” on Truth Social and said, “We will be having further discussions, and will get together in the not too distant future, both in Brazil and the United States,” without giving further details.

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Relations between Washington and Brasilia had soured in recent months, with Trump imposing a 50-percent tariff on Brazilian goods and sanctions on top officials, including a Supreme Court judge, in response to the trial and conviction of his ally, former president Jair Bolsonaro.

“We are very optimistic that we will move toward a win-win situation in this relationship,” said Brazil’s Vice President Geraldo Alckmin, who will continue negotiations with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. He added the call went “even better than we expected” and that the two presidents exchanged personal phone numbers.

The phone call followed what appeared to be a chance encounter at last month’s UN General Assembly, where Trump praised his “excellent chemistry” with Lula, though Brazilian media reported the meeting was part of an extensive behind-the-scenes diplomatic effort.

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Lula, in his UN speech, criticized attacks on Brazil’s judiciary, while Trump accused Brazil of “censorship, repression” and “judicial corruption,” later calling Lula “a very nice man, actually.”

The Brazilian presidency said Lula also invited Trump to the COP-30 climate conference in Belem in November and expressed willingness to travel to the US for talks.

Lula has repeatedly said Brazil is “ready to negotiate” on tariffs but lamented that previously there was “no one to talk to” in Washington. According to a government source, private sector efforts, including a meeting between Trump and Brazilian billionaire Joesley Batista, played a key role in easing tensions.

With inputs from AFP.