Lula Urges Trump to Lift Tariffs Amid Warming Ties

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has formally requested that U.S. President Donald Trump lift the 40 percent tariff imposed on Brazilian imports. The appeal came during a 30-minute phone call on Monday, where the two leaders reportedly exchanged personal contact details and discussed trade, economic cooperation, and climate diplomacy.

Lula reiterated his invitation for Trump to attend the upcoming climate summit in Belém, signaling a desire to strengthen bilateral ties despite recent tensions. Trump later posted on Truth Social that the conversation was “good,” noting that future meetings are planned both in Brazil and the United States.

The tariffs—initially 10 percent, then raised to 50 percent in total—were justified by the Trump administration as a response to Brazil’s criminal prosecution of former President Jair Bolsonaro. Bolsonaro was recently convicted of attempting a coup after losing the 2022 election and sentenced to over 27 years in prison.

Lula countered that the tariffs lack economic logic, especially given that Brazil is one of only three G20 nations with which the U.S. maintains a trade surplus. The leaders’ recent encounter at the UN General Assembly, where Trump praised their “excellent chemistry,” suggests a potential thaw in relations despite underlying political friction