Brasilia: Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has made a direct appeal to U.S. President Donald Trump to eliminate the recently imposed 50 percent tariffs on Brazilian products. This request was made during a phone call on Monday, as reported by the Brazilian presidency's communications secretariat.
According to Namibia Press Agency, the call was initiated by Trump, during which Lula highlighted that Brazil is one of three countries in the Group of 20 (G20) with which the United States enjoys a trade surplus. Lula requested the U.S. to lift tariffs and sanctions on Brazilian authorities and to consider canceling their U.S. visas, based on a statement from the secretariat.
The discussion, described as friendly, lasted 30 minutes, with both leaders reminiscing about the positive chemistry they shared during the UN General Assembly in New York. The Brazilian presidency's statement emphasized the constructive atmosphere of their meeting.
Joining the call were several high-ranking Brazilian officials, including Vice President Geraldo Alckmin, Foreign Affairs Minister Mauro Vieira, Finance Minister Fernando Haddad, Presidential Spokesperson Sidonio Palmeira, and Celso Amorim, chief advisor to the president.
The phone call occurred against the backdrop of tensions due to Trump's decision to impose 50 percent tariffs on various Brazilian products, effective from August 6. Trump tasked Secretary of State Marco Rubio to pursue negotiations with Alckmin, Vieira, and Haddad to address the issue.
Both leaders agreed to an in-person meeting soon, with Brazil reiterating its invitation for Trump to participate in this year's UN Climate Change Conference, set to occur in the Amazonian city of Belem in November.
The potential for a direct meeting between Lula and Trump was previously announced by the U.S. president during the UN General Assembly in New York City, following a brief encounter where the two leaders exchanged greetings and expressed the desire to continue their dialogue.
Following the call, Trump shared on Truth Social that he "enjoyed the call," describing it as "very good." Meanwhile, Alckmin conveyed to reporters that the conversation surpassed their expectations.