Brazils President Asks US to Scrap Tariffs in Friendly Call with Trump
Brazil's President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva urged US President Donald Trump to scrap tariffs on Brazilian imports and sanctions against its officials during a video call on Tuesday, according to the Brazilian presidency. The call was described as "friendly" by both sides.
The two leaders spoke for about an hour, exchanging phone numbers after months of tension between their countries. The conversation came as Brazil's former President Jair Bolsonaro faces trial and potential sanctions from the US over allegations of trying to seize power after losing the 2022 election.
During the call, Lula da Silva asked Trump to lift the 50 tariffs imposed on Brazilian imports in August, citing concerns about their impact on trade between the two countries. The tariffs were introduced as part of a broader campaign by Trump to pressure Brazilian authorities into abandoning Bolsonaro's prosecution.
"We are committed to strengthening our bilateral relations and finding areas where we can cooperate," Lula da Silva said in a statement after the call. "We believe that lifting these tariffs would be an important step towards improving trade between our countries."
A US official confirmed the call but declined to provide further details, saying only that Trump and Lula da Silva discussed ways to improve their countries' relationship.
The tensions between Brazil and the US began in August when Trump introduced the tariffs on Brazilian imports. The move was seen as a response to Bolsonaro's prosecution, which Trump described as a "witch-hunt" against his ally.
In September, Bolsonaro was convicted and sentenced to 27 years in prison for corruption and other charges related to his presidency. The US had also imposed sanctions on several Brazilian officials and revoked visas for some of their citizens.
The call between Lula da Silva and Trump comes as experts speculate that Haiti could be an area where the two leaders can cooperate. "There are areas where Brazil and the US can work together, such as in the region of Haiti," said Paulo Sotero, a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution. "This could be an opportunity for both countries to put aside their differences and focus on common goals."
The current status of trade relations between Brazil and the US remains uncertain. The Brazilian presidency has called for a meeting with Trump's administration to discuss the tariffs and other issues affecting bilateral relations.
As for next developments, it is unclear whether Trump will agree to lift the tariffs or impose new sanctions on Brazil. However, Lula da Silva has expressed optimism about the prospects for improved relations between their countries. "We are committed to working together to strengthen our relationship," he said in a statement.
*Reporting by Theguardian.*
