Trump and Lula Engage in Friendly Dialogue Amid Trade Tensions

Wed Oct 22 2025 03:49:21 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

In a significant shift from previous tensions, U.S. President Donald Trump and Brazilian President Lula have had a positive discussion focused on trade and tariffs. Lula seeks to reduce a 50% tariff on Brazilian imports, expressing optimism for future cooperation.

President Donald Trump and Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva described their recent phone call as friendly and constructive, aiming to address issues surrounding trade tariffs. Lula is pushing for a reduction of the current 50% U.S. tariff on Brazilian imports, emphasizing the need for restored relations between their nations. The call marks a notable shift following months of strained interaction over tariffs linked to Lula's predecessor's legal trials.

President Donald Trump and his Brazilian counterpart, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, have recently engaged in a call that both leaders have characterized as friendly and positive. This dialogue occurs against the backdrop of Brazil's appeal to reduce a significant 50% U.S. tariff on imports from the South American country.

During the video call held on Monday, Lula urged Trump to consider the removal of these steep tariffs, with Trump reflecting on the conversation as a 'very good telephone call' shared on social media.

This discussion is significant as it marks the first formal conversation between the two leaders since their brief interaction at the United Nations General Assembly last month. Relations had soured previously when Trump imposed stringent tariffs this past summer in response to the trial of Lula's predecessor, Jair Bolsonaro.

Despite past tensions, Lula accused Trump in the past of foreign interference and likening his actions to that of an 'emperor'. However, the sentiments expressed during Monday’s call indicated a thawing in relations, with the Brazilian government noting that their discussion lasted for about half an hour, filled with amicable exchanges as they reminisced about their previous meeting in New York.

Lula emphasized the importance of mending relations between 'the two largest Western democracies' and highlighted that the U.S. has maintained a trade surplus with Brazil. He reiterated his request for the tariffs to be reverted to their original rate of 10%, along with the removal of sanctions imposed on certain Brazilian officials.

In a proactive move, the two leaders exchanged direct contact numbers to facilitate ongoing discussions, with Trump stating that the call primarily revolved around economic and trade matters moving forward. Both leaders appear keen on pursuing further discussions, contemplating meetings both in Brazil and the United States in the near future.

Brazil’s Vice-President, Geraldo Alckmin, spoke positively about the outcome of the call, suggesting better-than-expected results and expressing optimism regarding the dialogue between the two nations.

Lula has extended an invitation for Trump to attend the upcoming UN climate summit in Belém, Brazil, and proposed a meeting during the ASEAN summit in Malaysia, while also offering to visit the U.S.

In a move to fortify negotiations moving forward, Trump has assigned Secretary of State Marco Rubio to engage with Brazil’s Vice-President, Foreign Minister, and Finance Minister. However, the Brazilian government is currently reviewing Rubio's appointment due to his affiliation with the ideologically driven faction within the Trump administration, indicating a preference for a negotiator more conducive to Lula's administration's perspectives.