Brazil's Lula Seeks US Tariff Removal, Plans Trump Meeting

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and US President Donald Trump held a friendly 30-minute phone conversation focusing on improving bilateral relations strained by tariffs and sanctions. Lula requested the removal of a 40-50% tariff on Brazilian goods and the revocation of sanctions against Brazilian officials, including Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes. Trump acknowledged the discussion was positive, emphasizing economic and trade cooperation, and appointed Secretary of State Marco Rubio to negotiate further with Brazilian officials. Both leaders agreed to pursue an in-person meeting, with Lula suggesting the upcoming ASEAN summit in Malaysia as a potential venue. The call followed their brief encounter at the UN General Assembly, which helped ease tensions after months of diplomatic friction related to Brazil's prosecution of former President Jair Bolsonaro. This engagement signals a potential thaw and renewed dialogue between the two countries' administrations.