Brazilian President Lula shifts tone, speaks to Trump to reduce tariffs

Trump Meets Brazilian President: Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva requested the removal of the 40 percent tariff imposed by the United States on Brazilian imports during a phone conversation with US President Donald Trump on Monday.

After the conversation, President Trump said that "I had a very good conversation with Brazilian President Lula. We discussed many issues, but most of the conversations were focused on economy and trade between the two countries. We will also talk further and soon and Brazil and the United States will meet soon. I liked this conversation very well, our countries will do very well."

Both leaders spoke for 30 minutes

According to Lula's office statement, the two leaders discussed for about 30 minutes and exchanged the phone numbers. Lula invited Trump to attend the upcoming climate summit to be held in Balem, Brazil. Trump later wrote on Truth Social that his conversation with Lula was "very good".

Tariffs on Brazilian Products

The Trump administration imposed a 40 percent tariff on Brazilian products in July, in addition to an earlier 10 percent tariff. Lula pointed out that Brazil is one of three G-20 countries with which the United States has a trade surplus.

The Trump administration justified the tariffs, stating that Brazil's policies and the criminal prosecution of former President Jair Bolsonaro constitute an economic emergency. Earlier this month, Bolsonaro was convicted of attempting a coup after losing the 2022 election and sentenced to 27 years and three months in prison by a Supreme Court panel.

Lula also offered Trump a visit to Washington to build on the discussions held earlier this month at the United Nations General Assembly.