Lula and Trump Discuss Progress on Tariff Removal and Cooperation Against Organized Crime
Brazilian President Lula and U.S. President Trump held a productive discussion on tariff removal, cooperative crime-fighting efforts, and judiciary sanctions, advancing bilateral relations.
- • Trump and Lula had a 40-minute productive phone call covering tariffs and sanctions.
- • The U.S. removed tariffs on 238 Brazilian products but 22% of exports still face tariffs.
- • Both leaders emphasized continuing negotiations to eliminate remaining tariffs.
- • They agreed to enhance cooperation against organized crime and discussed judicial sanctions.
- • Trump expressed optimism about the partnership following their UN meeting.
Key details
Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and U.S. President Donald Trump held a significant 40-minute phone conversation focusing on tariff negotiations and collaborative efforts against organized crime. The dialogue, described as "very productive" by the Brazilian government, covered several pivotal areas including ongoing U.S. tariffs on Brazilian exports and sanctions linked to Brazil's judiciary.
The U.S. recently lifted tariffs on 238 Brazilian products such as coffee, fruits, and beef, benefiting Brazil's agricultural sector. However, tariffs still affect approximately 22% of Brazilian exports to the U.S., down from the initial 36% when the tariffs were first imposed. Lula stressed the importance of continuing negotiations to remove the remaining 40% tariff applied to certain Brazilian industrial and agricultural products. These tariffs were part of Trump's prior trade strategy to address competitive imbalances with China.
Beyond trade, the leaders discussed intensifying cooperation to combat organized crime. Lula highlighted Brazil's efforts aimed at financially suffocating criminal organizations and the necessity to tackle money laundering and tax evasion, specifically mentioning Delaware’s role as a tax haven. Trump expressed strong support for joint initiatives to combat international crime, with both presidents agreeing to maintain ongoing dialogue on these critical issues.
Additionally, the conversation touched upon U.S. sanctions against Brazilian judiciary officials, including Supreme Court Minister Alexandre de Moraes, imposed under the Magnitsky Act in the context of proceedings against former President Jair Bolsonaro. Trump complimented Lula, expressing optimism about their partnership, saying "Many good things will come from this newly formed partnership." They first developed this rapport during the United Nations meeting earlier this year.
The positive progression in tariff relief, coupled with enhanced cooperation against organized crime and judicial sanctions discussions, signals a warming bilateral relationship and an openness to further negotiations aimed at strengthening trade and security bonds between Brazil and the United States.
This article was synthesized and translated from native language sources to provide English-speaking readers with local perspectives.