Trump and Lula da Silva discuss trade amid lifting of food duties

US President Donald Trump and Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva discussed trade, the economy, and the fight against organized crime in a phone call on Tuesday, both sides reported, Reuters reported.

Speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump said they also discussed sanctions—an apparent reference to his administration’s crackdown on the Brazilian judiciary in connection with the criminal case against former right-wing President Jair Bolsonaro.

Trump said he and Lula “had a great conversation. We talked about trade. We talked about sanctions because, as you know, I authorized them in connection with certain events.”

In a later social media post, Trump said he looked forward to meeting and talking with Lula soon, adding, “This new partnership will bring a lot of good!”

A statement from Brazil’s presidential palace said Lula thanked Trump for his decision to lift additional tariffs on Brazilian imports from the United States, including coffee and beef, and added that Brazil is committed to progress in negotiations on goods still subject to tariffs.

Last month, Trump lifted the 40% tariff on several Brazilian food products, including cocoa and fruit, which he announced in July as punishment for Brazil’s prosecution of Bolsonaro, a Trump ally.

During a 40-minute phone call on Tuesday, which Brazil’s presidential palace called “very productive,” Lula also emphasized the urgency of strengthening cooperation with the United States in the fight against international organized crime, the statement said.

The two leaders’ discussions took place against the backdrop of recent US actions in the region, including a major military buildup in the Caribbean and three months of US strikes against suspected drug trafficking vessels off the coast of Venezuela.

Tags: Brazil, USA, duties