Brazil’s Lula seeks end to ‘baseless tariffs’ in call with Trump

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva called US President Donald Trump on Friday to discuss ending their countries' trade dispute, claiming the US tariffs were imposed without proper justification. Washington placed two fresh sets of tariffs on Brazil in July, which has become a prominent issue in Brazil's upcoming presidential election in October.

Lula, running for his fourth term, emphasized that the tariffs harm both nations in a statement from his office. "Engaging in negotiations is the best path for both countries," he added. Lula's relationship with Trump has been tumultuous, but tensions have heightened as the election nears. The US has supported several right-wing candidates in Latin American elections, including Brazil's jailed former president Jair Bolsonaro, whose son Flavio is Lula's main political rival.

During the call, which lasted 80 minutes, Lula cautioned Trump against interfering in Brazil's election process, warning that such interference would result in losing US support. The two leaders have reportedly enjoyed a cordial rapport, with Trump previously praising their "excellent chemistry." In October, the US lifted punitive tariffs it had imposed due to Bolsonaro's trial, which Trump labeled a "witch hunt."

However, Lula suffered a setback after Flavio Bolsonaro's visit to the White House in May, following which the US classified Brazil's two major drug cartels as terrorist organizations. Lula contested this decision, stating that it was US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, not Trump, who initiated the tariff measures.