Brazil’s Lula pushes for tariff resolution in call with Trump

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio da Silva called on US President Donald Trump to resolve the trade dispute between their nations, asserting that US tariffs were imposed on unjust grounds. The tariffs imposed by Washington in July have become a central campaign issue as Brazil prepares for its presidential election in October. Lula, who aims for a fourth term, conveyed to Trump that the tariffs negatively impact both countries.

He emphasized the importance of maintaining communication channels to facilitate negotiations. Relations between Trump and Lula have been volatile, but their recent conversation was cordial. Lula, 80, has made national sovereignty a centerpiece of his campaign and cautioned Trump against meddling in Brazil's affairs, particularly regarding the election.

Despite past tensions, the two leaders reportedly had a friendly rapport, with Trump describing their chemistry as "excellent" last year. The US withdrew punitive tariffs it imposed over the trial against Bolsonaro after diplomatic efforts by Lula's government. However, Lula faced setbacks following a Bolsonaro visit to the White House in May and the designation of Brazil's two largest drug cartels as terrorist organizations.

Security concerns dominate the minds of Brazilians ahead of the elections, with Flavio Bolsonaro advocating for stringent anti-gang measures similar to those implemented in El Salvador. Deforestation and Brazil's electronic payments system, PIX, also prompted US tariffs, despite recent Amazon deforestation rates being the lowest since 2016. Lula attributes the tariffs to US Secretary of State Marco Rubio rather than Trump.