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Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva on Monday called on US President Donald Trump to lift punitive tariffs on Brazilian goods during their first official talks.
The two leaders spoke for 30 minutes in what officials described as a “friendly” exchange, with Lula also proposing a face-to-face meeting at next month’s ASEAN summit in Malaysia.
Lula pressed for the removal of 50% tariffs and sanctions imposed on Brazilian officials, measures Trump introduced in retaliation for the prosecution of his ally, former president Jair Bolsonaro, who was sentenced to 27 years in prison for his role in a failed coup attempt.
Despite sharp differences on trade, climate policy, and multilateralism, both presidents agreed to establish direct communication by exchanging phone numbers.
Lula renewed an invitation for Trump to attend the COP-30 climate summit in Belem and signalled his willingness to visit Washington.
The conversation followed a brief encounter at the UN General Assembly that reportedly stemmed from behind-the-scenes diplomatic efforts.
Although both leaders have traded criticisms—with Lula condemning US “interference” and Trump accusing Brazil of “judicial corruption”—the talks mark a potential thaw in relations strained by months of political and economic tensions.
