Trump Promises Lula a Major U.S.–Brazil Trade Deal
Relations between the two countries have recently been strained after Washington imposed 50% tariffs on Brazilian products.
Quick overview
- Brazilian President Lula expressed optimism about a potential new trade agreement with the U.S. after meeting with President Trump.
- Lula described their discussion as 'frank and positive,' indicating a willingness to negotiate tariffs and sanctions.
- Trump acknowledged the meeting as 'good' but remained cautious about the likelihood of immediate outcomes.
- Lula emphasized Brazil's importance in South America and the need for its voice in regional decisions.
Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva expressed optimism about the possibility of a new trade agreement with the United States after meeting recently with U.S. President Donald Trump during the ASEAN summit in Malaysia.
Speaking at a press conference following the encounter, Lula said that Trump had guaranteed his intention to move forward with a bilateral understanding and suggested that negotiations could materialize “faster than many might imagine.” According to the Brazilian leader, the discussion was “frank and positive,” leaving the door open to strengthening the economic relationship between both nations.
“I had an excellent meeting with President Trump on Sunday afternoon in Malaysia. We openly and constructively addressed the bilateral trade and economic agenda. We agreed that our teams will meet immediately to seek solutions to tariffs and sanctions imposed on Brazilian authorities,” Lula said on social media.
Tense relations after steep tariffs
Trump, for his part, struck a more cautious tone. Before departing Malaysia, he described the conversation with Lula as “a good meeting” and called the Brazilian president “a very vigorous guy.” However, he avoided offering guarantees: “I don’t know if anything will happen, but we’ll see,” he told reporters aboard Air Force One.
Relations between the two countries have recently been strained after Washington imposed 50% tariffs on Brazilian products in retaliation for the conviction of former President Jair Bolsonaro. Lula called the measures “incorrect,” but emphasized his willingness to negotiate. “I am willing to discuss any topic with President Trump, including regional issues such as the situation in Venezuela,” he said.
The Brazilian president also stressed Brazil’s pivotal role in South America: “I reminded him that we are the largest and most economically important country in the region, with direct ties to nearly all of our neighbors. Our voice must be heard in any decision that affects the continent,” he said.
Prior to the meeting, Trump had expressed goodwill: “It is an honor to meet with the president of Brazil. I am confident we can reach agreements that benefit both countries. Our relationship has always been good, and I hope it continues to strengthen.”
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