Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva said he had a productive meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump on Sunday, during which both leaders agreed to initiate “immediate” talks to resolve ongoing tariff and trade tensions between the two countries.
The meeting took place on the sidelines of the ASEAN summit in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
According to Agence France-Presse, Da Silva told reporters, “We agreed that our teams will meet immediately to advance the search for solutions to the tariffs and sanctions against Brazilian authorities.”
The U.S. imposed tariffs of up to 50% on several Brazilian imports, as well as sanctions against Brazilian officials, including a Supreme Court justice. Brasilia viewed these actions as politically motivated, citing their connection to the trial of former President Jair Bolsonaro.
The Brazilian government has reaffirmed its commitment to dialogue as a means of resolving disputes with the United States, while also seeking to diversify its economic partnerships through the BRICS group. This approach aligns with Brazil’s broader strategy to strengthen economic independence and reduce reliance on U.S. and European markets.
