Brazilian and US ministers to resume trade negotiations
Brazil’s Minister of Development, Industry, Trade, and Services, Márcio Elias Rosa, and representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Relations are expected to meet this week with the Office of the US Trade Representative (USTR) to resume trade negotiations between the two countries.
The Ministry of Development confirmed it had been contacted by US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer following Friday’s (Aug. 21) phone call between Presidents Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and Donald Trump.
In a joint statement, the Ministry of Development and the Foreign Ministry noted that the resumption of talks opens a new channel of dialogue between Brasília and Washington amid the trade dispute sparked by US tariffs on Brazilian products.
Lula’s call
Lula’s phone call to Trump lasted one hour and 20 minutes and was cordial, the Planalto presidential palace reported.
The Brazilian president advocated for the resumption of trade negotiations and stated that the justifications presented by the US government for imposing the new tariffs are unfounded.
Among the arguments used by the US to justify the measures are issues related to deforestation, preferential trade agreements, intellectual property, the fight against corruption, the instant payment system Pix, ethanol, and imports of products associated with forced labor.
Lula stated that the tariffs harm both Brazil and the US and argued for dialogue as the way to preserve the trade relationship between the two countries.
Trump agreed on the need to maintain trade ties and signaled a resumption of contact between the two governments’ teams.
Cooperation against crime
In addition to tariffs, Lula and Trump discussed security and cooperation in the fight against organized crime.
The Brazilian president called for joint action by the two countries and stated that criminal organizations exert pressure on vulnerable populations but should not be equated with terrorist organizations.
Lula also outlined actions taken by Brazil to combat these structures, including financial strangulation measures, which resulted in the seizure of approximately BRL 17 billion.
Among the initiatives mentioned are the Anti-Gang Law and the creation of the Amazon International Police Cooperation Center in Manaus.
According to the Planalto palace, Trump expressed willingness to expand cooperation and stated he will appoint high-level officials to continue the negotiations.
International conflicts
The presidents also discussed the wars in Ukraine and the Middle East.
Regarding the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, both emphasized the need for a negotiated solution. Lula also criticized the United Nations Security Council’s inaction in the face of international conflicts.
The Brazilian president suggested convening a special session of the Security Council to discuss diplomatic alternatives.
During the conversation, Trump also addressed the US government’s outlook on the conflict with Iran.
In advocating for diplomatic solutions, Lula stated, “Great leaders are not those who start wars, but those who put an end to conflicts.”
