Lula and Trump Seek to Mend Ties Amid Tariff Dispute

Tue Oct 21 2025 22:49:12 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

In a friendly and constructive call, Brazil's President Lula da Silva and former President Trump discuss economic relations and tariffs as Brazil aims to lower a hefty 50% import tax imposed by the US.

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and former US President Donald Trump had a constructive phone call aimed at improving bilateral relations and addressing the high US tariffs on Brazilian imports. Both leaders expressed a desire for better economic cooperation, with Lula advocating for a reduction of tariffs from 50% back to 10%. This call marks a thaw in relations following months of tension, influenced by political events in Brazil.

President Donald Trump and his Brazilian counterpart, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, engaged in a friendly and positive video call, marking a significant step in addressing the strained trade relationship between Brazil and the United States. The discussion centered around Brazil's request to reduce the current 50% US tariff on imports, a contentious issue that has led to a notably chilly diplomatic atmosphere since spring.

During the call, Lula expressed hopes to revert the tariffs to their previous rate of 10% and to lift sanctions imposed on certain Brazilian officials. The call followed their brief encounter at the United Nations General Assembly last month, highlighting the leaders' intent to mend ties that had been frayed following Trump's tariff increases in response to the political turmoil involving Lula's predecessor, Jair Bolsonaro.

Throughout the half-hour exchange, both leaders reminisced about their earlier cordial chemistry, a stark contrast to prior accusations made by Lula, who previously criticized Trump for his authoritarian approach to governance. The Brazilian government characterized the call as a successful remedy for easing tensions between what they termed the two largest Western democracies.\u200b

In a public statement, Trump noted that the conversation primarily focused on economic and trade matters, indicating ongoing discussions would continue, with potential future meetings planned both in Brazil and the United States. Lula extended invitations for various summits intended to foster further dialogue.

Brazil’s Vice-President Geraldo Alckmin expressed optimism about the evolving relationship, describing the exchange as exceeding expectations. On the American side, Trump's appointment of Secretary of State Marco Rubio as the lead negotiator suggests continued high-level engagement, although some within the Brazilian government have voiced concerns about Rubio's alignment with the more ideological elements of Trump's administration.

As both administrations navigate this diplomatic landscape, the potential for improved economic relations remains contingent on effective negotiations and the resolution of tariff disputes.