Lula and Trump pave the way for an end to the tariff hike
A meeting between the presidents discussed the review of sanctions and paved the way for new bilateral negotiations on trade and the economy.
247 - President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva (PT) met this Sunday (26), in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, with the President of the United States, Donald Trump, in a meeting that sought to unblock negotiations on tariffs imposed on Brazilian exports. The meeting, considered by Lula to be “frank and constructive”, opened space for new rounds of dialogue between the two countries.
The conversation covered topics ranging from tariff measures to the application of the so-called Magnitsky Act to Brazilian authorities. Both leaders reinforced their commitment to maintaining a permanent channel for negotiation to resolve trade disputes.
Meeting Results
"I had a great meeting with President Trump this Sunday afternoon in Malaysia. We discussed the bilateral trade and economic agenda frankly and constructively. We agreed that our teams will meet immediately to move forward in finding solutions to the tariffs and sanctions against Brazilian authorities," Lula wrote on social media.
Open dialogue and a positive atmosphere.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mauro Vieira, highlighted that the meeting was "very positive" and that negotiations should have further developments in the coming weeks. "The final conclusion is that the meeting was very positive, and we expect to conclude bilateral negotiations soon, in a few weeks, addressing each aspect of the current American taxation on Brazil," he stated.
Vieira also reported that Lula initiated the dialogue directly, without thematic restrictions, and renewed the request for the suspension of tariffs during a negotiation period. The foreign minister highlighted that the Brazilian president also mentioned the application of the Magnitsky Act, classifying it as "unfair" in the case of Brazilian authorities, since, according to him, "due process was respected and there was no persecution."
Recognition and cordiality
During the meeting, Donald Trump expressed admiration for Lula's political career, highlighting his experience and resilience. According to Mauro Vieira, the American leader emphasized the fact that Lula had been "president twice, persecuted in Brazil, proven his innocence, and victoriously won a third term." The atmosphere of the meeting was described as "very relaxed and cheerful," with brief moments open to the press.
Progress in economic negotiations
The executive secretary of the Ministry of Development, Industry, Trade and Services (MDIC), Márcio Rosa, also praised the tone of the dialogue. "President Lula made it clear that the motivation used by the United States to impose tariff increases on the rest of the world does not apply to Brazil, due to the trade surplus with the United States," he noted.
Rosa added that Brazil has positioned itself as a strategic partner and reiterated its willingness to cooperate with the United States on issues of common interest. "Brazil plays a very important role in South America, and therefore we are also available to collaborate with the United States on other relevant issues," she concluded.
Next Steps
Negotiations are expected to continue today in Kuala Lumpur between Brazilian ministers and their US counterparts. Those participating in the meeting included US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, and US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer.
