Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva urged US President Donald Trump to resolve the escalating trade dispute between their countries, calling Washington’s recent tariffs on Brazilian goods “baseless” and harmful to both economies. The appeal came during a phone call that lasted one hour and twenty minutes, described by the Brazilian presidency as friendly and cordial, even as tensions rise ahead of Brazil’s October election.
The dispute began after the US imposed two new rounds of tariffs in July, accusing Brazil of unfair trade practices. Lula, who is seeking a fourth and final term, rejected the allegations and told Trump the measures “negatively affect both Brazil and the United States.” He stressed that remaining at the negotiating table is the best option for both sides, according to a statement cited by AFP.
Diplomatic relations between Trump and Lula have fluctuated in recent months. Trump has openly supported several right‑wing candidates across Latin America and maintains close ties with Brazil’s jailed former president Jair Bolsonaro, whose son Flavio Bolsonaro is Lula’s main rival in the upcoming election. This political backdrop has made the tariff dispute a central campaign issue, with Lula framing it as a matter of national sovereignty.
Lula, 80, has repeatedly warned against foreign interference in Brazil’s domestic politics. He recently said that if he spoke to Trump, he would tell him: “Don’t meddle in Brazil’s affairs, especially regarding the election. If you do meddle, you’ll lose.” His latest call reflects an attempt to balance firmness on sovereignty with pragmatism on trade.