President Donald Trump spoke with Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva on Monday, the first significant conversation since the U.S. imposed 50% tariffs on Brazilian imports.
Trump-Lula Discuss Trade, Possible In-Person Meeting
The two leaders held a 30-minute video call, discussed meeting in person, and exchanged phone numbers, according to a statement from Lula’s office.
Lula urged Trump to lift the tariffs and sanctions on Brazil, levied by the Trump administration in retaliation for what Trump saw as unfair treatment of far-right former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro.
Lula urged Trump to remove the additional 40% tariff on imports. Trump had raised tariffs on Brazil from 10% to 50%.
The call was described as “very good” by Trump, saying he expected the two countries “…will do very well together!”
The leaders also …