Trump Meets Lula da Silva, Anticipates ‘Promising Deals’ Between US and Brazil

Trump Meets Lula da Silva, Signals Optimism for US-Brazil Trade Deals.

US President Donald Trump, on a visit to Malaysia, met with Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva on Sunday, expressing optimism about future collaborations and potential “pretty good deals” between the two countries.

“It’s a great honor to be with the President of Brazil… I think we should be able to make some pretty good deals for both countries… We always have had a good relationship, and I think it will continue,” Trump said during the meeting.

Lula da Silva, speaking through a translator, also conveyed optimism, stating, “There’s no reason for having any other kind of conflict between Brazil and the United States.”

The discussion took place ahead of the ASEAN summit in Kuala Lumpur, with both leaders focusing on strengthening bilateral trade ties and resolving economic disputes. Following the meeting, Lula tweeted that the two nations agreed for their teams to meet immediately to find solutions regarding tariffs and sanctions affecting Brazilian authorities.

The engagement marks one of the first high-level interactions between the US and Brazil in recent months, signaling a potential thaw in trade relations strained by global economic pressures and policy disagreements.

Earlier this year, Trump increased tariffs on most Brazilian imports from 10% to 50%, citing a “witch hunt” against former President Jair Bolsonaro. Lula criticized the move as a “mistake,” noting that the US has enjoyed a $410 billion trade surplus with Brazil over the past 15 years.

The tariff hike has already impacted global trade flows, particularly in the beef sector, driving up US import costs and encouraging indirect trade routes through third countries like Mexico. Meanwhile, Brazil’s exports to China continue to grow amid rising demand.