Archive · 22 Aug 2026
Lula and Trump Revive Brazil Tariff Talks Ahead of Election
Brazil and the United States are arguing about taxes placed on goods traded between them.
Brazil’s President Lula spoke with U.S. President Trump on Friday to try to reduce the disagreement.
Lula said the reasons for the tariffs were unfounded and that they hurt both countries.
The United States says the tariffs respond to alleged unfair trade practices.
Trump suggested that officials from both countries meet soon to continue negotiations.
The two leaders also discussed Brazil’s upcoming October election.
Lula said the election was going smoothly and defended Brazil’s voting system.
Brazil also said it wants to cooperate with the United States against organized crime.
Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva urged Donald Trump to resume negotiations over U.S. tariffs during a Friday phone call.
Lula called the U.S. allegations of unfair trade practices and the resulting tariffs “unfounded” and “baseless.”
Trump proposed that officials from both governments meet soon, and U.S. and Brazilian officials discussed restarting talks.
The United States imposed two new rounds of tariffs on Brazil in July, including 25% tariffs on many Brazilian goods, according to the reports.
The dispute has become a major issue ahead of Brazil’s October presidential election, with Lula accusing Washington of election interference.
- Who
- Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and U.S. President Donald Trump, along with officials from both governments.
- What
- They discussed resuming negotiations to resolve a tariff and diplomatic dispute between Brazil and the United States.
- When
- During a Friday phone call lasting more than one hour; Brazil’s presidential election is scheduled for October, and officials are expected to meet the following week.
- Where
- The leaders spoke by phone between Brazil and the United States; the proposed officials’ meeting is to involve Brazilian and U.S. trade representatives.
- Why
- Lula said the tariffs were baseless, harmed both countries, and should be addressed through negotiations; the United States cited alleged unfair trade practices.
Brazil’s position
United States’ stated position
Basis for tariffs
Brazil’s position
Lula said the U.S. allegations of unfair trade practices were unfounded and that the tariffs were imposed on baseless grounds.
United States’ stated position
The United States said the tariffs were imposed in response to alleged unfair trade practices.
Resolving the dispute
Brazil’s position
Lula argued that both countries should remain at the negotiating table because the tariffs negatively affect Brazil and the United States.
United States’ stated position
Trump proposed that officials from both governments meet as soon as possible and said his top advisers would return to negotiations.
Election and sovereignty
Brazil’s position
Lula has accused Washington of attempting to interfere in Brazil’s election and has emphasized national sovereignty and the reliability of Brazil’s voting system.
United States’ stated position
The reports describe Trump as an ally of Brazil’s jailed former president Jair Bolsonaro and say he has backed right-wing candidates in Latin America, but they do not report a detailed response from Trump on the interference allegations.
- Call duration
- Brazil said the conversation lasted one hour and 20 minutes; another report described it as lasting more than one hour.
- Tariff action
- The United States imposed two new rounds of tariffs on Brazil in July, including 25% tariffs on many Brazilian goods.
- U.S. justification
- The United States cited alleged unfair trade practices.
- Brazil’s position
- Lula called the tariffs unfounded or baseless and said negotiations were the best option for both countries.
- Next diplomatic step
- U.S. and Brazilian officials are expected to meet the following week to discuss resuming talks, though no date had been set.
- Election timing
- Brazil’s presidential election is scheduled for October, and the tariff dispute has become a major campaign issue.
- Other cooperation
- Lula reiterated Brazil’s interest in cooperating with the United States against organized crime.
