Brazil’s Lula meets Trump as he seeks to block new US trade tariffs | Political Affairs

Brazilian officials are hoping for positive results from the summit after last year’s controversy over Trump’s tax policies.

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva met with US President Donald Trump at the White House, in talks that were supposed to focus on trade, security, and essential minerals as Lula seeks to renew their rocky relationship.

Thursday meeting between Lula and Trump brought together two of the most popular people in the world despite their differences in opinion.

In a social media post, Trump praised the talks with his “very powerful” Brazilian counterpart.

“We discussed many topics, including Trade and, especially, Taxes. The meeting went very well,” said Trump on Truth Social. He added that more meetings would be organized in the coming months.

Both leaders have faithfully followed politics by pitting themselves against the established authorities, despite their strong differences on economic issues and international cooperation.

Brazilian officials are hoping for a positive outcome at the meeting, given last year’s controversy over Trump’s tax policies and his anger over the trial and conviction of former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro.

Last year, Trump hit Brazilian goods with 50 percent tariffs, among many of those exported to the US, accusing the country of promoting a witch hunt against Bolsonaro, who was later found guilty of trying to seize democracy.

Trump later removed more tariffs, including on Brazilian beef and coffee, in part to help slow US inflation.

Concerns about new tariffs

In February, the United States Supreme Court struck down the international tax imposed under the national emergency law, eliminating most of the remaining funds.

Brazilian exports are facing a 10 percent increase as they expire in July.

But in recent weeks, Brazil has seen signs that exports could be hit by new tariffs linked to a Section 301 investigation into unfair trade practices.

Tensions remain over digital commerce – as Brazil has blocked a US-backed renewal of the World Trade Organization’s e-commerce tariff moratorium – and Brazil’s high tariffs on other commodities, including ethanol.

The US Trade Representative’s office last month reported that nearly half of Brazil’s timber exports come from illegal sources – something Lula’s administration denies, arguing that it has led to historically high logging prices.

The trip to the US is taking place in a difficult environment for Lula, who last week was harassed by Congress.

A lower court overturned its approval of a law aimed at reducing Bolsonaro’s prison term, while Parliament rejected his appointment to the Supreme Court – the first in more than 100 years.

The 80-year-old leader will seek a fourth, non-consecutive term in the October elections. Polls currently show him neck and neck with Bolsonaro’s senator son, Flavio.