Lula Praises Trump Call as Brazil US Tariff Talks Resume
President Lula praised his call with Trump as civilised and respectful, while criticizing the 'second echelon' of advisers. Brazil US tariff talks resume with a videoconference between trade ministers next week. The post Lula Praises Trump Call as Brazil US Tariff Talks Resume appeared first on The Rio Times .
Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva praised his recent phone conversation with US President Donald Trump, describing it as "very civilised and respectful." However, Lula also criticized the actions of Trump's lower-ranking officials, whom he referred to as the "second echelon." The telephone call, which lasted one hour and twenty minutes, was the longest direct conversation between the two presidents to date.
Lula stated that he believes Trump is more skilled in political relationships than his advisors. The call, which took place on Friday the 21st of August 2026, occurred following similar talks between the two leaders and set the stage for renewed trade discussions. Following the call, Brazil's Minister of Development, Industry, Trade and Services, Márcio Elias Rosa, will meet with US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer via videoconference in the coming week to resume stalled talks.
The current tariffs, one specific to Brazil at 25%, combined with another at 12.5%, create a significant burden for Brazilian exports to the United States. Lula has dismissed various justifications for these tariffs, including deforestation, trade agreements, intellectual property concerns, concerns about corruption, Brazil's instant payment system Pix, ethanol, and imports of goods made with forced labor.
As the videoconference between the trade ministers approaches, observers will monitor progress in reducing the tariff burden.
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