Lula and Trump Meet in Malaysia to Advance Trade Negotiations and Strengthen Bilateral Ties
Brazilian President Lula and former U.S. President Trump met in Malaysia to discuss resolving tariffs and sanctions, marking an important advancement in bilateral trade and diplomatic relations.
- • Lula and Trump met in Malaysia to address trade tensions, including a 50% tariff on Brazilian exports and sanctions against Brazilian officials.
- • The meeting lasted about 45-50 minutes and was described as constructive and cordial by both leaders.
- • Trump expressed admiration for Lula's political resilience and career, while Lula highlighted the importance of restoring economic cooperation.
- • Both leaders agreed to immediate negotiations by technical teams and planned reciprocal visits to strengthen relations.
Key details
On October 26, 2025, Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and former U.S. President Donald Trump held a significant bilateral meeting in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, aiming to resolve ongoing trade tensions and enhance diplomatic relations between Brazil and the United States. This event marked their first formal discussion since a brief exchange at the UN General Assembly in September.
The 45- to 50-minute meeting focused primarily on addressing a contentious 50% tariff imposed on Brazilian exports and the sanctions under the Magnitsky Act against members of Brazil’s Supreme Court. Both leaders conveyed optimism about reaching agreements; Trump expressed hope for "some good agreements" and emphasized the need for fair deals on tariffs. Lula described the dialogue as "great," "frank," and "constructive," highlighting the importance of restoring economic cooperation and rebuilding trust between the two countries.
Brazilian Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira praised the encounter as "very positive," revealing that Trump pledged to instruct his team to begin immediate negotiations alongside Brazilian counterparts. These negotiations are expected to yield concrete results within a few weeks. Both Lula and Trump also signaled intentions for reciprocal official visits to reinforce diplomatic ties.
Trump openly admired Lula's political journey during the meeting, acknowledging his resilience through past legal challenges and his successful return to presidency after the annulment of previous convictions by Brazil's Supreme Court. Despite the serious nature of trade issues, the atmosphere was reportedly relaxed and cordial, reflecting mutual respect. Lula emphasized that "there is no reason for disagreements" between their nations, signaling a desire for a cooperative future.
The meeting represents a critical step toward resolving trade barriers and sanctions while stabilizing Brazil–U.S. economic relations amid a sensitive political backdrop involving former President Jair Bolsonaro's trial and broader regional dynamics.