Brazil's Lula Plans Tariff Talks with Trump at Malaysia Summit

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva plans to meet US President Donald Trump at the ASEAN summit in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, to address the 50% tariffs Trump imposed on Brazilian goods and the sanctions on Brazilian officials, including a Supreme Court judge. Lula contends that these tariffs are a "mistake" and argues that the basis for the US trade decision is "untrue," emphasizing the long-standing US trade surplus with Brazil. The tariffs and sanctions were linked by Trump to what he described as a "witch hunt" against former President Jair Bolsonaro, who was recently sentenced to prison for a coup attempt. Relations between Lula and Trump have shown signs of improvement, marked by a brief meeting at the UN General Assembly and a subsequent phone call where they discussed a potential summit meeting. Lula is prepared to discuss a wide range of issues with Trump, including Venezuela, Gaza, Ukraine, Russia, and critical materials, signaling openness for broader diplomatic engagement. The outcome of a potential meeting is seen as crucial for resolving trade tensions and will be closely monitored by global markets.