US President Donald Trump and Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva engaged in a 30-minute telephone discussion on Monday regarding the 40% US tariff on Brazilian imports. During their call, they exchanged contact information, and Lula extended an invitation to Trump for the upcoming climate summit in Belem, as reported by Associated Press.Following the conversation, Trump shared on Truth Social, “This morning, I had a very good telephone call with President Lula, of Brazil. We discussed many things, but it was mostly focused on the Economy, and Trade, between our two Countries.” Further expressing hope for improved ties, he added, “We will be having further discussions, and will get together in the not too distant future, both in Brazil and the United States. I enjoyed the call — Our Countries will do very well together!”The US administration had implemented a 40% tariff on Brazilian goods in July, supplementing an existing 10% tariff. During the call, Lula highlighted that Brazil remains one of only three G20 nations with which the US maintains a positive trade balance.The US administration’s justification for the tariffs centred on Brazil’s governmental policies and legal proceedings against former President Jair Bolsonaro, citing these as an economic emergency. Recently, Bolsonaro received a conviction for attempted coup following his 2022 electoral defeat, with the Supreme Court panel issuing a 27-year and three-month prison sentence.Lula expressed willingness to visit Washington for continued discussions with Trump, building upon their previous meeting at the United Nations General Assembly this month.
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